WSPI-2
City officials are turning their attention to Veater Street as a top priority for infrastructure improvements in WSPI-2, citing persistent water main leaks and the broader impact on surrounding neighborhoods, including Williamsburg. During a recent conversation, a city representative emphasized the importance of outlining the benefits of the upcoming project, which include fire hydrant upgrades, sidewalk replacements, and overall aesthetic improvements. However, the most pressing concern remains the deteriorating water infrastructure.
“We’re out there at least once, sometimes twice a week, fixing leaks on Veater,” said Jamie Foreman, the city’s Interim Water Supervisor. “These aren’t minor issues — they’re mainline leaks.” The frequent repairs have taken a toll on the roadway, which, according to officials, has worsened significantly due to the constant digging and patching. The situation has also affected Williamsburg residents, who often experience water shutoffs during repairs.
“Right now, the only valve for Williamsburg is at my office,” Foreman explained. “By connecting the new line on Veater, we’ll create a loop system that allows us to isolate leaks without shutting down the entire neighborhood.”
The WSPI-2 project, currently (July 2, 2025) at the 60% design review stage, is being led by Wilson & Company under a USDA grant. It includes replacing aging asbestos concrete and cast iron water lines with modern materials like C900 PVC for mainlines and polyethylene (PEP) for service lines.
Another key component of the planning process involves Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), which uses ground-penetrating radar to map buried utilities with greater accuracy. “Our current GIS maps are only accurate within six feet,” Foreman noted. “811 regulations require us to locate utilities within 18 inches. This new data will help us build more precise maps moving forward.” Additionally, SUE surveys help the city compile a more accurate inventory of lines, valves, and meters — a resource that will improve daily operations and reduce repair times.
“This is a critical upgrade,” the city representative said. “Not just for Veater Street, but for Riverside as well.”
Veater Street and Riverside Drive have emerged as the city’s two highest-priority areas for infrastructure upgrades, both suffering from the most frequent and severe water line leaks. These aging systems not only require constant maintenance but also pose risks to road conditions, service reliability, and public safety. By addressing both areas simultaneously in WSPI-2, city officials aim to reduce emergency repairs, improve water system performance, and ensure more resilient service for residents across multiple neighborhoods.
| UPDATE: 7/2/2025 | WSPI-2 #23-600-575-00 |
| PURPOSE | The purpose of the WSPI-2 project is to address critical water infrastructure challenges in the city, with a focused effort on Veater Street and Riverside Drive—two areas experiencing the highest frequency of mainline leaks and service disruptions. This project aims to enhance system reliability, reduce emergency repairs, and improve public safety through the replacement of aging asbestos concrete and cast iron water lines with modern, durable materials such as C900 PVC for mainlines and polyethylene (PEP) for service lines. Creation of a loop system will isolate leaks so Williamsburg is less affected by water shut-offs. There will be approximately 13,284 feet of pipeline replacement. |
| TIMELINE | Estimated completion date of May 2027, with anticipated 9-12 months of construction. |
| SCOPE | Water line replacements east of the MSD area on Riverside Drive with a new 10-inch mainline loop to feed Village of Williamsburg and provide hydraulic resiliency (capacity of hydraulic systems to resist, adapt to, and recover from disruptions, shocks, or stresses) to the area. Improvements include gate valves, new service lines, meters, hydrants and accompanying appurtenances (auxiliary components). Four project areas include 1) along E. Riverside Drive beginning at N. Cedar St. to S. Arrowhead Road, 2) along Platinum St. beginning at S. Broadway St. to Veater St., 3) along Hyde Ave. beginning at Cook St. to Veater St., and 4) along Veater St. beginning at Hyde Ave. to Platinum St. |
| BENEFITS |
The WSPI-2 project brings a wide range of benefits to Truth or Consequences, focusing on both infrastructure resilience and community well-being. By replacing aging asbestos concrete and cast iron water lines with modern materials like C900 PVC and polyethylene (PEP), the city will significantly reduce the frequency of leaks and emergency repairs. The installation of additional valves and the creation of a looped water system will allow for more efficient isolation of problem areas, minimizing service disruptions—particularly in neighborhoods like Williamsburg. Fire protection will be enhanced through the strategic placement of new hydrants, including one at the wastewater treatment facility, improving emergency response capabilities. Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) surveys will provide precise underground utility mapping, improving GIS accuracy and enabling faster, safer repairs. These surveys also support daily operations by helping crews locate lines, valves, and meters more efficiently. On the surface, the project includes replacing select sidewalk sections to improve pedestrian access, while also preserving six-foot clearances around hydrants in areas without sidewalks to accommodate future installations. Collectively, these improvements will lead to long-term cost savings, greater operational efficiency, and a more resilient, safer water system for the community. |
| DISRUPTIONS | Primary disruptions will occur on streets and intersections covered in the scope of the plan. |
| FUNDING | U.S. Department of Agriculture (WSPI-2 USDA-RD-WEP-WSPI-2) Loan amount is $2,673,000 with 2.125% rate at 40 years - $8,271.43 monthly payment |
| TOTAL FUNDING FOR PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | Between $9 and $10 million. |
| MITIGATION STRATEGIES | The project team will implement a range of mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions and address community concerns throughout the construction period. The city's Daupler system may be employed to notify residents and businesses of closures, along with social media posts and placement on the city website. Ample time will be given individually to residents about moving meters, this will be coordinated with the city utilities before the work is to be completed. The contractor will run lines and hook up the meters while the residents are still responsible for utility billing. Sanitization tests will be completed. To maintain traffic flow and ensure public safety, clearly marked alternative routes and detour signage will be provided in coordination with the City Street Department; traffic control sheets are included in the plan. Contractors are required to keep the construction area clean and free of unnecessary debris. Asbestos pipe will be abandoned in place, allowing for no environmental impact. These efforts are designed to ensure transparency, minimize inconvenience, and maintain community trust throughout the project. |
| ENGINEER | Wilson & Company |
| CONTRACTORS | Not determined. |
| RESOURCES |