Modernisation of metro water supply Boston

General Background: From 1939 to 2003, millions of metro Boston residents relied on the Hultman Aqueduct to deliver almost all of its drinking water. By the 1990s, the aging structure suffered from numerous leaks, and was losing almost 400,000 gallons of water per day. The structure needed extensive repair, and if it failed, virtually all water service to the Boston area would be cut off.

In 2003, the completion of a The MetroWest Water Supply Tunnel, a new water transmission line that paralleled the route of the Hultman Aqueduct, made repairs to the aqueduct possible. When repairs are completed in 2014, the old aqueduct and the new tunnel can be used interchangeably. If one line needs repair, the other will be activated, with little or no interruption to service.

About the Hultman Aqueduct

The Hultman Aqueduct, which runs for approx­imately 17 miles from Marlborough to Weston, Massachusetts carries water from the Carroll Water Treatment Plant to the metro Boston area. It connects to regional distribution lines near Route 128 and the Charles River, and also to the City Tunnel that runs through Newton, Massachusetts.

VAG's repair work, including installtion of Butterfly valves, shafts and operating equipment

The repair work has been centered in Southborough, Framingham, Wayland, Natick, and Weston, and has included:

• Inspection and repair of 13.4 miles of existing aqueduct pipe
• Inspection and repair of 46 culverts under the aqueduct
• Replacement of 28 access manholes
• Replacement of 15 blow-off structures
• Installation of 13 VAG STS Butterfly Valves, connecting shafts, and operating equipment (either electric or manual) at critical junctures throughout the system
• New fencing and guardrails at 39 street crossing.

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