Work begins Sept. 14 on two major construction projects designed to improve water service in the Duluth Heights, Miller Hill Mall, upper Piedmont and Duluth International Airport areas.
The first project will replace two water towers with a total volume of 500,000 gallons with a 1 million gallon elevated water storage tank at 1710 N. Basswood Ave. The
$2.89 million project includes construction of yard piping and a building housing a computerized water management system.
The second project will improve the Highland Pump Station. The $992,000 project includes building modifications, new pumping mechanisms, electrical and computer equipment and piping.
Work on the projects begins Sept. 14 and is expected to last until November 2011. Affected properties will receive advance notice of any service interruptions.
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The improvements could mean an end to periodic watering restrictions in Duluth Heights.
The neighborhood's constrained water supply also has been an issue for some growing businesses in the area. Several years ago, Cirrus Aircraft's insurance policy was canceled when an underwriter determined the company lacked sufficient fire protection because of low water pressure.
The city installed a special high-pressure pump to address Cirrus' problem, but the underlying problem persisted, and during dry periods in recent years, watering bans have been put in place to ensure sufficient fire protection for Duluth Heights.
