MNWD Street Crew Balances Safety with Speed

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. (May 3, 2011) - The majority of MNWD’s infrastructure is buried beneath the ground, as nearly 1,400 miles of pipe are used to serve customers in five cities across South Orange County. When there’s a leak, the MNWD Street Crew quickly responds with a plan that ensures speedy repairs and the safety of nearby motorists and citizens.

The District’s Street Crew consists of seven members and is responsible for maintaining the water and wastewater systems throughout MNWD’s service area. Some leaks are easy to spot, often by wet patches in the road. Others are found using sensitive listening devices that can hear the water leaking from pipes and fittings. Once a leak or line break has been detected, the Street Crew works to obtain the necessary permits, calls to identify nearby existing utilities and works with local cities to provide traffic control before making the repairs.

The Street Crew is also involved in preventative maintenance by working to identify sections of pipe that need replacement before any incidents occur, which helps to ensure a reliable water supply and keeps costs down.

Safety is the Street Crew’s top priority. When you see them in the middle of the road fixing a leak or patching a hole, please remember to have patience because the traffic control is for everyone’s safety. These dedicated employees work hard to make repairs as quickly as possible, so water continues to flow from the tap when you arrive home.