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Project Updates
Jetting is the process used to clean sewer pipes. A jet truck uses a high pressure water hose with a nozzle that is pushed a few hundred feet up the pipe then slowly pulled back while the nozzle scours the sewer pipes.
The sanitary sewer jetting program is conducted as a preventative maintenance effort to remove any solids that have accumulated in the sanitary system. Woodbury has approximately 250 miles of sanitary sewer main line pipe, and approximately ¼ of the city’s sewer line is cleaned annually. This routine maintenance helps to prevent blockages and sewer backups.
Jetting is also performed in certain areas on an annual basis, such as near restaurants and areas with known root issues. Jetting is typically performed May through October but can occur any time of the year for various reasons, including emergencies.
Prevent Blowbacks during Jetting
A blowback is a pressure surge that can cause the water in a toilet or floor drain to bubble or blow out. Such a pressure surge can occur during sanitary sewer main line cleaning operations performed by Utilities Division staff. Obstructions, or partial obstructions, in a home’s plumbing vent stack seem to increase the likelihood of an occurrence.
You can help prevent or minimize the impact of blowbacks when the sanitary sewer main line in front of your home is being cleaned, including:
- Checking the plumbing vent for your home to make sure it isn’t plugged or capped
- Leaving the toilet lid down (This helps contain water that might otherwise escape should a blowback occur)
- Pour water into floor drains (This keeps the smell of the sewer system from entering your home)
If you have questions about jetting, please email the Public Works Department or call 651-714-3720.
Water Meter Update Project
The city's utility workers continue to upgrade water meters with new technology. This program has been implemented to maintain aging and failing infrastructure, reduce costs, provide a higher level of customer service and improve accuracy. The city selected the radio metering system for installation based on research, the laws and regulations that govern this technology, and best industry practices.
The new water meters allow the city's meter readers to pull readings into a computer as they drive by the home rather than walking from house to house. The equipment sends a signal to the water meter, "waking it up" and collecting the reading. These new meters can also help the city identify leaks or other high water use periods, although this feature requires a utility worker to be at the home to pull data from the meter with a tablet.
City utility workers are installing the new water meters in various neighborhoods throughout the year, ramping up the activity during winter months when possible. Property owners who live in the selected neighborhoods will receive a mailed notice from the city directing them to call Public Works to schedule the upgrade. The city will need access to the water meter. The resident or business owner will need to provide a clear, unobstructed path to the meter and adjacent valves. The worker will need space to operate both valves and to remove and replace the water meter. The shut off valves on both sides of the meter will need to be fully operational. If these valves leak or fail during the meter replacement it is the homeowner or business owner’s responsibility to replace or repair the valves. It typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes to replace the meter. There is no cost to the homeowner.
Questions should be directed to Public Works at 651-714-3720 or email Public Works.
Program History & Timeline
The meter replacement program started in November 2017. The city strives to replace at least 1,500 to 2,000 meters each year while balancing other utility responsibilities.
It is expected to take approximately 10 years for water meters to be upgraded citywide. Residents should expect to see meter readers walking through neighborhoods and obtaining meter readings off the original devices mounted on the sides of homes for several more years.