Water Main Construction - Phase 1

RESIDENTS RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP:

NOTICE OF VERNOR ESTATES WATER MAIN CONSTRUCTION, PHASE 1
July 10, 2025

Dear Bloomfield Township Resident, 

The water system that serves the Vernor Estates Subdivision was installed in the late 1960's, consisting of 6 and 8-inch diameter cast iron water mains. The Township operates and maintains this system for the benefit of the Bloomfield Township residents. As part of the Township's continuing capital improvement program, existing water mains in the Vernor Estates Subdivision are being replaced by High-Density Polyethylene (HOPE) lines equivalent to 8-inch or greater cast iron lines. The scope of work includes replacing the aging water mains, replacing and adding hydrants and valves, replacing the water service lines within the right-of-way, and installing new stop boxes. The general contractor (GC) for this project is Bidigare Contractors, Inc.

Schedule
You are receiving this notification now because you are the owner or occupant of a residence which will be affected by Phase 1 of this project, anticipated to start late in July of 2025. Enclosed, we've provided a map of the project area and phasing.

The construction method selected for the project is pre-chlorinated pipe bursting. Pre-chlorinated pipe bursting is less disruptive than traditional open cut water main replacement. The following is a general schedule that homeowners can anticipate for the work being performed:
1)  Prior to any other work, the GC will install the new service lines, crossing the road via directional drilling when necessary.
2)  Several days prior to installation, the new mains will be fused and tested above ground.
3)  The GC will excavate pits to access the existing water main.
4)  The new water main will be installed via pipe bursting the existing water main. The new HOPE main lines will be pulled through the existing pipe, breaking and expanding the cast iron pipe.
5)  The new water main will be flushed and reconnected to the existing system.
6)  The residential water service lines will be reconnected to the new water main. Homes along the section of water main to be replaced will be temporarily out of water service for approximately 8-10 hours during the installation and switching over of their service line. Homeowners will be notified both 7 days and 24 hours in advance of any loss of water service.
7)  Any areas disrupted from the work will be restored to the existing condition as part of the project.

During construction, residents along the water main route and a few lots adjacent to where the new water main is being constructed may experience short durations of water loss for operation of the existing system and during transfer to the new system. Residents in these areas adjacent to the work will also be notified prior to any shutdowns. Additionally, driveways may be temporarily blocked while the new water main is staged for pipe bursting.

Water Quality
Residents may also experience discolored water due to turbulence in the old pipes during the project and air in the plumbing during the switching over of residential water services. If this happens, run the cold water through a faucet until the water is clear. This may take three to five minutes.

The existing water main in the Vernor Estates Subdivision was installed in the late 1960's, at which time copper piping gained popularity over lead piping. However, homes constructed prior to the mid-1980's may have copper plumbing with lead solder. In addition, plumbing and fixtures installed before January 1, 2014, or those purchased from sources outside the United States, may contain lead. Although lead piping was used less frequently in the 1960's, if lead piping is identified at the water service connection to the water main, the Township will follow up with the property owner. If you suspect that you have a lead service line, please contact the Township as soon as possible at 248-594-2800.

In general, to minimize the potential for lead exposure including from lead solder, flush the cold water tap three minutes or longer until the water is as cold as it will get before using water for drinking or cooking, and anytime the water in a particular faucet has not been used for six hours or longer. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead services, how to identify if you have lead plumbing, how to reduce your potential exposure to lead, and testing information can be found on the Township website at https://bloomfieldtwp.org/publicworks/water-and-sewer/water-quality.

Project Contacts
Should you have any concerns or questions about the project, please notify the Project Engineer, Bloomfield Township Engineering and Environmental Services Department, or Bidigare Contractors, Inc., as listed herein:

Bloomfield Township: Mark Hendricks
4200 Telegraph Road Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48303
248-594-2809
mhendricks@bloomfieldtwp.org

Hubbell, Roth & Clark (HRC): Chris Ross, P.E.
555 Hulet Drive Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48302
248-330-7344
cross@hrcengr.com

Bidigare Contractors, Inc: Jordon Bidigare
939 S. Mill St Plymouth, Ml 48170
248-735-1114 jordon@bidigarecontractors.com

In addition to the contact numbers listed above, HRC will also have a field representative, Marty Garrison, available throughout the project. Mr. Garrison can be contacted at 248-535-3463.

Summary
Construction is anticipated to start in the Summer of 2025. Additional notices will be provided to residents prior to the disruption of water service. The Bloomfield Township Fire Department is also aware of the water main replacement program to ensure access to the area is always available. These water system enhancements will provide the residents with a more reliable water system, improve water flow, and lessen the chances of water service loss due to emergency water system repairs.

Mr. R. Corey Almas, PE
Director - Engineering & Environmental Services