The water main replacement project in and around Edgewood Lane in Festus was completed this month, and city leaders believe the project improved residents’ drinking water.
Those who live in the area had complained for years about discolored water coming from their faucets.
Early responses following the completion of the project on March 7, or more accurately the lack of recent complaints, indicate the project was a success, City Administrator Greg Camp said.
“They stopped calling once the (water main) project was completed,” he said.
CE Contracting of Bloomsdale was hired to complete the water main replacement project, which affected 159 service connections, mostly residences. The project also included the replacement of 1,287 feet of water main, 22 fire hydrants, 49 water valves and 137 feet of stormwater pipe, Camp said.
He said the project was completed under budget and on time.
“It came in $360,517 under budget. It had been budgeted at $1,499,811 and came in at $1,139,294,” he said. “Throughout the project, the crew from CE Contracting faced challenges, including slowdowns due to (having to break through) 333 cubic yards of rock and delays caused by weather conditions.
“In addition to the utility upgrades, the team completed full restoration of streets, curbs, driveways, sidewalks, walls and landscaping. This extensive project was completed in 10 months and 17 days.”
The Leader contacted some residents who live in the area, and they said the water quality has improved since the project was completed.
“Yes, it’s much better,” said Chris Olinger, an Edgewood Lane resident who previously had contacted the city about discolored water. “Once they installed the new pipes, the water cleared up.”
Another Edgewood Lane resident, Linda S. Baker, agreed.
“The water had been orange,” she said. “It’s clear now. I’m happy with the water now.”
While Olinger said she was pleased with her improved water quality, she doesn’t believe all the problems with the water supply system have been resolved.
“I wouldn’t say our situation is over,” she said. “The service lines to our houses may need to be replaced. I went to the city about these service lines. There may be some damages the water did to water heaters.”
Festus R-6 School District Superintendent Nicki Ruess said the water at Festus Elementary School, 1500 Midmeadow Lane, has improved, too.
“That cleared up the water,” she said.
Camp praised the company for its work.
“CE Contracting was an excellent partner,” he said.
Prior to the water main replacement project, the city agreed to spend up to $20,000 to hire a company to perform a process called “Ice Pigging” in the hopes of solving the water problem. The process was completed in January 2024, but it did not work.