The process begins
HCPUD Project Managers Cindy Hutchens and Liz Brown know
the challenges to the infrastructure. HCPUD is responsible
for providing 56 million gallons of clean, potable water to its
customers each day, as well as managing the wastewater and
reclaimed water facilities.
“This water main is an important part of the infrastructure
as it provides water to all of southern Hillsborough
County,” Hutchens said.
The project gave them the opportunity to assess the demand
on water, wastewater, and reclaimed water in the area.
“We decided to increase capacity and add water quality
monitoring stations to the area,” Brown explained.
The existing 36-inch concrete pipe would be replaced with
better materials, such as ductile iron pipes. The force main
would be widened from 16 to 20 inches. Ultimately, these
improvements will bring a more efficient system, better water
pressure, and an improvement in measuring water quality.
With plans in place, it was time for construction to begin.
‘A lot of moving pieces’
“On a construction site, there are a lot of moving pieces,
with various construction crews and construction
materials,” Hutchens said.
Both she and Brown manage several projects concurrently,
but they need someone on the construction site to make
sure that the project is being built according to the plans.
HCPUD hired Ayres to provide construction engineering
oversight for this project.
“Our job is to be the eyes and ears for our client in the
field – to advocate for what they expect and to keep them
informed as the project progresses,” said Chris Martin,
project manager for Ayres.
Top photo: Crew members working on force main in ditch box.
Bottom: Crews completing pipe removal.
10 | TRENDS
Ingenuity, Integrity, and Intelligence.