Branson plans 15-year project to replace aging water mains

BRANSON, Mo. (KY3) – The City of Branson is sharing more details about its plan to replace aging water mains in eight different neighborhoods as these aging pipes have led to water main breaks.

IN February 2024The city announced it would begin a series of projects in various neighborhoods throughout the region. The city identified eight units whose pipes had already failed and needed replacement. The area at the top of the list was Hiawatha Heights as it had some of the most frequent breaks. According to Public Works Director Kendall Powell, the water mains here date back to the 1950s and 1960s.

“She reached a point where she became fragile,” Powell said. “It starts to break down, just because of the weather conditions. As the ground dries out, the cracks and pipes will begin to move, and as the ground moves in that area, you will end up with breaks. Or it could be a bad cold that is starting to cause the same problem.

One of the problems with pipes in the area has to do with the building standards of the time, Powell said. The pipes have minimal protection and in some cases they rest on rock. Powell said today’s standards call for gravel protection around the pipe to prevent ground movement.

The Department of Public Works initially expected construction in Hiawatha Heights to begin in August or September 2024. But as with any project, some obstacles arose, and as of October 30, construction had not begun. They discovered they needed 124 homeowners to sign easements before construction could begin, Powell said. At the moment there are already 102 of them.

“Those easements that are needed are actually in the areas immediately adjacent to the right-of-way itself,” Powell said. “This old subdivision did not have utility easements in place when it was created, and so we are trying to do the right thing by going back and getting easements for our water meters and fire hydrants themselves.”

Powell said it takes a long time to contact property owners. They held neighborhood meetings, sent out many letters, made phone calls, and even went door to door.

Once the Hiawatha Heights project begins, it will take about a year to complete at a total cost of $6.6 million, Powell said. The remaining seven neighborhoods selected for development will be included in the city’s 15-year master plan at an estimated total cost of $70 million, which Powell said will be funded through tourism taxes.

“Predicting water main breaks is a very challenging task for city utilities,” Powell said. “We are getting out of duration. Statistical history to help us determine where target areas for replacement should be. Unfortunately, we cannot predict when they will happen.”

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