The City of Barrie is going deep to protect its aging metallic watermains.
Being installed is cathodic protection on 9.5 kilometres of existing ductile iron water mains in various locations, in order to extend the watermains’ life.
This work is part of the city’s capital works program to renew aging infrastructure.
The work involves a contractor excavating the work area using a vacuum truck, installing cathodic protection anodes on the existing ductile iron watermain, and restoring the excavation area with asphalt, concrete or topsoil and seed.
Installation of cathodic protection is expected to increase the life of ductile iron water mains by up to 15 years, according to the city.
Barrie has nearly 178 kilometres of ductile iron watermain, which represents almost a third of the city’s water distribution network. Watermains made of this type of material are prone to corrosion-related physical failure. Ductile iron water mains are more prone to corrosion than non-iron pipes.
At the end of the 2024 program, it’s anticipated all of the city’s watermains that fit the required criteria will be deemed protected, bringing the program to a close.
Pedestrian access will be maintained during this work, although there may be some short delays for motorists.
The watermain cathodic protection program, taking place on more than 30 Barrie streets, is scheduled to run until November.
