S-W Pipeline Under Construction

Posted Thursday, March 12, 2020

Work is currently underway on replacing a segment of Skagit Public Utility District’s water transmission line serving Sedro-Woolley from Judy Reservoir. The pipeline was taken out of service on March 31 due to a significant leak in the existing 20-inch concrete cylinder pipeline, which was installed in 1970. The pipeline is one of two transmission lines that supply water from Judy Reservoir to the communities of Burlington, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley.

The installation of 1,175 feet of new 36-inch welded steel pipe is expected to be in place by July 3 with final project completion in August. Scarsella Brothers, a heavy civil construction company from Seattle, is contracted to do the work.

For safety purposes, road closures along South Skagit Highway are in effect until July 3. All traffic for South Skagit Highway is being detoured to Old Day Creek Road.

At this time, Sedro-Woolley’s water supply is being re-routed through Burlington via Mount Vernon. However, this method of water supply is at risk for maintaining adequate pressures and keeping up with demands as temperatures rise and customer usage increases. While work is underway, the District asks that all customers be mindful of their water usage and to minimize landscape watering, car washing and other water intensive activities.

“Keeping the water flowing to our customers during this sensitive water pipeline replacement project is my number one priority right now,” Operations Manager Mike Fox said.

“If we all work together and watch our water use over the next few weeks, then everything will be fine.”