Field Operations

The Field Operations Division is responsible for installing and maintaining water and sewer lines on public property. This includes over 1000 miles of water lines, 900 miles of sewer lines and 4,000 fire hydrants in the Water Authority service area. The thirteen construction/maintenance crews (six water and seven sewer) are responsible for installing new water and sewer services, repairing or replacing damaged water and sewer lines and associated maintenance activities. All crews work closely with the Water Operations Division on water break repairs and with the Wastewater Division’s Sanitary Sewer Evaluation and Rehabilitation (SSE/R) section to identify and repair sanitary sewers that are receiving inflow and infiltration of stormwater or groundwater. Much of this information is gathered by placing closed-circuit television cameras in the sanitary sewer line and videotaping the condition of the line. A detailed list of areas with recurring issues is maintained and crews periodically clean these lines to eliminate future backups. Field Operations maintains a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week emergency standby group of employees to address calls that occur after regular working hours. The standby group is staffed each week by two of the thirteen crews, with the crews rotating through standby duty. All crews, regardless of normal assignments, will respond to any emergency while on standby. This requires all crews to be competent in repairs and maintenance of both water and sewer systems. Field Operations also employs a mechanic to maintain equipment and a warehouse stock controller to maintain inventory. Office support staff includes an office manager, administrative assistant, account clerk and a building maintenance worker. While Field Operations maintains the infrastructure on public property, the Water Authority is not responsible for water and sewer lines on private property. If Authority crews check the main lines and no problems are found, citizens must then contact a private plumber or other professional to make any repairs or to clear lines on private property, such as, lines that run from private homes to the property line. For questions on water pressure or water quality, contact the Water Authority at 853-5700 or by e-mail. The mailing address for the Field Operations Division is 3322 Hollins Road, N.E., Roanoke, VA 24012. To reach the Field Operations Division by telephone, call 540-853-5700.