City of Newton installing new sewer lining to fight possible leaks

The city of Newton has started a sanitary sewer lining project to complete in the coming weeks. By lining portions of the sewer, the city will cover cracks that have potential to leak. The work being completed as a part of the Inflow and Infiltration program in an area spanning from city hall to Callison Park.

“The pipe in the ground, the current sanitary sewers are 80 years old, roughly, so the city took video the past couple years and found sections of pipe that do have cracks where ground water and leach into the line or sewage could go out into the environment,” said Keith Laube, public works director.

After a final cleaning was done, Municipal Pipe Tool Company of Hudson began inserting the lining into the sewer. The lining will cover the walls of the pipe to seal off any cracks along with providing a smoother line for the sewage to travel. Approximately 7,203 lineal feet of sanitary sewer main along with 32 manholes will be lined when the project is complete. The total cost of the project is $24,237.50 and was paid for by the water pollution control fund.

The last lining project the city undertook was around 2000. At that time, the technology was not as advanced which lead to the sewer actually losing about a half inch. The new lining is much thinner — about half the size of the previous liner — and covers up joints and bolts for a smoother surface.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534
or jpierson@newtondailynews.com