Heather Hills water main construction to start in April

Brookfield residents who use the Pilgrim and Burleigh wells can expect to see construction on a new water main to start as soon as next month.

Heartland Construction was awarded the $365,700 bid for the St. Therese storm sewer and Heather Hills water main at Tuesday's Water and Sewer Board meeting by a unanimous vote.

The project is part of the city's 2013 water main extension program.

John Carlson, project manager, gave an overview of the project at a neighborhood meeting at City Hall before the board meeting.

A group of 11 residents attended the meeting, asked questions and reviewed project plans for the water main.

In a frequently asked questions sheet provided to residents, the city said municipal water is safer and more reliable than private sources, and is essentially a worry-free service in comparison to private wells.

Residents were receptive to the plan, and asked questions about costs, water quality and reconstruction of disturbed private property.

One resident raised a question about iron content in the municipal water.

"We have several filters that regulate iron content," Carlson said. "City fire hydrants are also flushed twice a year to address that concern."

With a permit, residents can keep their private wells for outdoor purposes, Carlson said, such as lawn sprinkling and car washing, but the well must be separate from internal plumbing served by the municipal water system to prevent cross-contamination.

"It may be cheaper to keep your well, as costs to remove it can be expensive," Carlson said.

The costs of construction are paid for by benefiting property owners through a special assessment of $59.50 per foot of property frontage, due in 2014.

In order to be connected, property owners must hire a plumber, who will obtain a permit from the city to install a private lateral. The plumber's work will be inspected by the city plumbing inspector, and arrangements will be made to set a meter.

Landscape restoration will follow installation of the water main.

Residents have 10 years to connect to municipal water.

Those who chose not to connect must pay a $30 annual standby fee to cover operation and maintenance costs for the main.

Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2014.