Enterprise Water System

Improvements to the City of Enterprise's water system are scheduled to begin June 1, 2003, thanks to the award of a KAN STEP grant and local volunteers who will install the project. Enterprise is located east of Abilene and south of Detroit, KS in northeastern Dickinson County. KAN STEP is the acronym for Kansas Small Town Environment Program that is funded through the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing. KAN STEP has successfully used 'sweat equity' to help communities reduce costs of water system improvements in several communities and numerous fire stations and community centers across Kansas.

Enterprise's project involves the installation of 24 new valves, 1,760 feet of 6-inch pipe, 1,000 feet of 4-inch pipe, 540 feet of 2-inch PE pipe, and 1,000 feet of 1-inch PE pipe. The new pipelines will allow for looping of sections of the system to improve fire flow and or improve capabilities for flushing. The project also involves replacement of 26 services and 2 fire hydrants.

Twelve of the valves being replaced are inoperable due to the lack of exercise over the last 100 years. Along with the main replacement and looping of lines, the city will be able to isolate no more that a two block area when conducting maintenance on the pipeline.

Historically, it's been a common practice to shut off the entire town anytime there was a main break or fire hydrant needing repair or replaced.

Just last summer two-thirds of the town lost service due to three main breaks at the same time. This event demonstrated the need to make the improvements to the city's distribution system. While this project may seem to be a small one, it will have a major impact on Enterprise's water system as it will provide the ability to isolate only affected areas for maintenance and repairs and also improve the quality of water delivered to customers.

The estimated value of the project is $319,681. There is a $175,556 in savings from retail costs through the use of volunteer labor. As of May 1, the materials listing has been submitted to potential bidders with anticipated start date of June 1.

Paul Froelich, City Superintendent, is the project representative for Enterprise. Engineering and design specs have been completed by Wilson & Company Engineers & Architects, Salina. Grant writing and administration is being provided by Doug McKinney of North Central Kansas Planning Commission, Beloit. Inspection services and assistance will be provided by Kansas Rural Water Association.