Starting on Sept. 6, Santa Maria residents could experience temporary water service interruptions as the city replaces water line valves and other water distribution system facilities along Broadway.
“This equipment is likely decades old and at the end of its expected life. We are going to go through different intersections and replace 51 valves,” said Santa Maria Public Information Manager Mark van de Kamp. “The new and modern water valves and related equipment will ensure continuity of reliable water service for decades.”
This project coincides with the Caltrans Pavement Rehabilitation Project, which is scheduled for spring 2022. Broadway has been on the radar of Caltrans for quite some time, van de Kamp said.
“Anyone who’s been on Broadway knows it is in really bad shape. Caltrans is aware, and they’ve been waiting to do this project,” he said.
The water project had to begin before the road was repaved so the city wasn’t drilling into a freshly paved road, van de Kamp said. The water valve project, valued at $675,000, is funded by the city’s water fund, an enterprise fund that accounts for all resources used to provide water services to the city, van de Kamp said.
It will begin at the intersection of Taylor and Broadway and will extend down to McCoy Lane. Instead of shutting multiple water valves off during the day, the city will work on individual sections of the road.
Residents and businesses will be notified at least 48 hours in advance of the exact date and estimated timeframe when they can expect water service to be interrupted on their properties.
Water service will be interrupted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and will be restored at 4 p.m. unless there is an unexpected issue. Betteravia and Broadway will potentially have night work due to the number of valves being serviced, van de Kamp said.
The city of Santa Maria advises residents and businesses to prepare for the day by taking the appropriate steps to save water as well as to plan ahead for road closures in the area, according to the city.
Direct questions about the project to the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division at (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2225, or follow cityofsantamaria.org/Broadway for updates.
This article appears in Sep 2-9, 2021.