Valve Exercising Program

Every water system has valves—devices that regulate, stop, or start the flow of water in the distribution lines. Being able to operate these valves at a moment’s notice is extremely important. In an emergency, sections of a distribution system may need to be shut down without delay. However, if a valve is not used over a period of time it can seize-up from corrosion and get stuck, making the valve inoperable. A valve exercising program helps maintain the useful life an operation of water system valves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose for exercising a valve?

• The City’s goal is to exercise each of the 70,000+ valves in the service area over a five-year period.
• To gain basic condition assessment and make certain valves are accessible and operable.
• Valves are often paved over, buried, striped or have a broken operating nut that spins free or won’t turn. This project will help identify valves needing repair or replacement.

Why are valves installed in the distribution system?

• Start and stop flow
• Isolate a specific line segment
• At pipe intersections
• Typical distribution spacing <800 feet

What happens when valves are not accessible or operable?

• Valve may leak which leads to water loss in the distribution system
• Crews must close more valves to isolate the line which takes more time which leads to longer repair times
• More customers are impacted resulting in low water pressure or loss of water service

How frequently are valves exercised?

• Once every seven years
• Some valves have a different schedule then others based on their location, criticality, or unusual operating conditions.