Page 26 - MRWATODAYSpring2021flipbook

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Aging Infrastructure

Ben Oseien, MRWA Technical Advisor
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If you are reading this it means you survived this brutal winter. I know that we have had worse
but the older I get, each winter seems to be more and more trying. The subzero air just does a
number on me. It also does a number on your water infrastructure. Mains break, towers and leaky
hydrants freeze, mains and service lines freeze up, the list goes on and on. When these things
happen we need a good, reliable map to help find shut offs, valves, and other utilities. Although we
can’t control the weather, we can control our system. Keeping on top of our aging infrastructure is
crucial. Setting up a capital improvement plan is a must. Take a look the whole system and make a
priority list on what needs help first. That may be old cast iron mains from the 1960’s, or the 1950
well house. Setting up these plans and getting good maps can be a bit overwhelming, and that is
where Minnesota Rural Water Association comes in. We can help with all of this, and then keep
helping through the planning stage,
all the way to the financial portion of
the project. We will look at your utility
rates and make sure they are where
they should be. Money is a major
issue with a project. USDA Rural
Development has amazing funding
options. These loans are designed for
systems just like yours. Minnesota
Rural Water Association also has a
spectacular, super low interest loan
program. The goal with all of this is
to increase the reliability and stability
of your system for years to come. But
most of all, it is to give operations
specialists and city personnel peace
of mind knowing that when Old Man
Winter wants to throw down, your
system can take him.

26 MRWA TODAY S SPRING 2021