Foundational Fix: Coyle Water System
Jefferson PUD Commissioners awarded a $1.3M construction contract to Pacific Civil and Infrastructure (PCI) to remove and replace aged and failing water mains in the Coyle community at the bottom of the Toandos Peninsula.
PCI was the lowest responsive bidder among eight other applicants. The bids came well under the original engineer’s estimate of $2.7M, said PUD Water Superintendent Jose Escalera, with the majority of bids being under $2M.
“We had 15 contractors at the pre-bid meeting, so we knew there was a lot of interest,” said Escalera.
The Coyle water system serves 118 customers, and the PUD acquired ownership in 2012 after it failed multiple water quality tests under previous management. The system has the highest leakages of any water system owned or operated by the PUD due to inferior construction methods, said Escalera. The 3-year average leak rate estimate for the Coyle system was 62.4%. The State of Washington guideline for water systems is less than 10% over a 3-year average.
Tacoma-based PCI will remove and replace approximately 8,800 feet of 40-year-old asbestos-cement water main pipe, installing new 6” PVC lines throughout. Additional work includes installing new fire hydrants, removing outdated hydrants, reconnecting existing water services, replacing roadway surfaces, and restoring the public right-of-way as needed.
Construction will begin in February and is expected to be completed by the end of April. The project is funded by a combination grant and low interest loan from the WA State Public Works Board.