FPUD approves purchase of 20" gate valves

Seven 20-inch gate valves along the Fallbrook Public Utility District's north transmission aqueduct line between Knoll Park Lane and Willow Glen Road will be replaced.

A 5-0 FPUD board vote Sept. 28 approved the purchase of the valves from Ferguson Waterworks of Poway for $101,682 including taxes and shipping costs. FPUD staff will perform the work which is expected to begin in late fall or early winter and be complete by late winter or early spring.

The replacement of the existing worn-out and failing valves was deemed a priority by FPUD to reduce disruptions during leaks and outages and reduce water loss during repairs. When FPUD adopted its 2015-16 budget June 22 $350,000 was budgeted for the valve replacement materials and labor. "It's all included as part of the budgeted capital improvement," said FPUD general manager Brian Brady.

FPUD staff prepared a request for qualifications which resulted in five responses. Ferguson Waterworks provided the lowest bid at $13,450 apiece for seven Mueller valves plus $1,076 of sales tax for each valve.