Buffalo Large Water Main Rehabilitation

The City of Buffalo’s Department of Public Works, Division of Water sought to rehabilitate the joints along approximately 11,000 feet of transmission main ranging from 36 to 60 inches in diameter. The facilities were some of the most critical elements in the city’s water distribution system. Future failure of any of these facilities could have caused significant issues for the city.

The city retained Erdman Anthony under a multiyear agreement for water design services to provide design and construction/inspection services for the project.

Our firm’s duties included performing a topographic survey of the project area, providing base mapping, and coordinating the base maps with all local utility companies for utility location.

The project included:

• Dewatering the lines
• Performing video inspection of the existing water mains
• Fabrication of over 1,000 36-inch, 48-inch, and 60-inch joint seals
• Excavation of access pits
• Removal of old valves
• Installation of the joint seals
• Installation of 18 new 36-inch and 48-inch valves

Coordination with state, county, and local agencies and other utilities also was provided.

The main rehabilitation required extensive coordination with local residents and businesses to coordinate and minimize shutdowns.

Following the completion of the project, our firm finalized detailed record plans and updated the city’s record documents.

The completed project maintains the community’s potable, fire protection, and sanitary water needs.