Summer is just around the corner, and that means Marion Utilities will be out continuing work to reline old sewer pipes throughout the city.

In May, the utility will award a substantial sewer rehabilitation project to reline old sewer pipes with a C.I.P.P. (or Cured in Place Pipe) process. In this process, resin is pumped into a pipe-shaped bag made of linen and fiberglass cloth. The bag is inserted into the sewer line and inverted, and then pumped up like a balloon and cured using hot water or steam. The resin takes the shape of the sewer main, basically creating a brand-new sewer line without digging up roads and installing new pipe. The new liner helps eliminate root problems and ground water infiltration.

This lining project will rehabilitate approximately 5,900 feet of sewer main and is expected to be completed in September of 2021.

Our distribution team will be flushing fire hydrants around town during the next few weeks. If you see an open hydrant, this is probably part of our routine maintenance. Customers may experience a loss in water pressure and/or some rust in their water during this process – this is temporary. We appreciate your patience!

LAWN SPRINKLERS – Federal, state, and local regulations require every municipal water supplier to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Cross Connection Control program designed to safeguard the public water supply.

Cross connections are sometimes protected by a valve called a backflow preventer. Backflow preventers are the property of the water customer and the responsibility lies with the customer for required annual testing and maintenance. The water customer must contract with a certified tester to perform the required annual tests and any necessary repairs. Most plumbing contractors and irrigation firms are certified to test backflow preventers. Please realize that there are costs associated with testing and maintaining backflow preventers.

Backflow preventers may be found at any number of locations on your water systems.Typically, commercial & industrial customers will have backflow preventers just after the water meter and also on wet fire protection systems. Lawn irrigation systems or other water connections throughout their facilities may also have or require backflow protection.

Residential backflow preventers may be found on lawn irrigation systems, wet fire protection systems, hot water heating (boiler) systems, swimming pool fills, water features, etc. Backflow preventers may also be found or required if there is another water source on the site such as a well, pond, river, etc.

Lawn sprinkler systems will be starting up soon. Plumbing Code and state regulations require that your backflow preventer be tested annually upon system start-up and/or when a backflow preventer is re-installed every season.

Aqua Backflow has been hired by Marion Utilities to assist with administering the backflow program, specializing in cross connection control management. If you have or require backflow protection, you may be notified by them for compliance (testing, repairs, installations, inspections, or surveys). They can be reached at 847-742-2296 if you have questions. Aqua Backflow does not test, install, or repair backflow preventers.

Remember that Cross Connection Control programs are designed to safeguard public health. We ask for your cooperation with our program, its enforcement, and any requests for information that come from Aqua Backflow or Marion Utilities staff.