Asbestos-Cement Water Main Replacement Initiatives

In the early 1980s, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a complete ban on all products containing asbestos, which significantly slowed the manufacturing and installation of asbestos-cement (AC) pipes. While the production of these asbestos-lined pipes was halted, existing AC pipes remained in use. Currently, approximately 15% to 18% of water distribution mains in the United States are made of asbestos-cement pipe. Within the city, an estimated average of 28% of the water distribution system consists of asbestos-cement pipes, while about 0.8% of such pipes are found in the larger service area surrounding the city.

The City has included the following Asbestos-Cement Water Main Replacement Projects in the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP):

• Gulf Islands National Seashore Water Transmission Main Replacement and Upgrade: The current transmission main serving the Gulf Islands National Seashore is a 12-inch diameter asbestos concrete pipe that supplies water to the city's west water plant. Built in the mid-1970s, this pipe is due for replacement. Upgrading to a 16-inch main would enhance the utility’s capacity to meet maximum demand. The city has received a grant of $3,000,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Local Government Water Supply Pilot program, and the total projected cost of the project is estimated to be $4,000,000. This project is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2026.
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Shoreline Waterline Replacement: This vital infrastructure improvement will cap and abandon in place the existing asbestos-cement water lines to enhance the reliability and safety of the city's water system. The project also aims to modernize the water distribution network, ensuring long-term efficiency and improved service for residents. The project extends from Washington Ave to Hampton St and includes Eufaula and Catawba Streets. This project is scheduled to begin construction on April 28, 2025, with an anticipated completion date of November 28, 2025. The city awarded this project to L&K Contracting Co. in the
  amount of $888,790.
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The City is actively developing the remaining AC waterlines as Capital Improvement Projects for FY 2026 and will continue to update this project page as project areas are established.

The City has completed the following AC Waterline Replacement Projects:

• Highpoint Watermain Replacement: replaced approximately 1400 linear feet of asbestos concrete water main
• Florida Ave Watermain Replacement: replaced approximately 840 linear feet of asbestos concrete water main