Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) processes, on average, 10.2 million gallons of wastewater per day. To ensure that the wastewater reaches the treatment plants, RWSA manages and maintains over 40 miles of sanitary sewer interceptors and 685 manholes. These large pipes act like major highways for wastewater. Smaller sewer piping networks, maintained by the Charlottesville Department of Utilities and the Albemarle County Service Authority, flow into the interceptors. Once in the interceptor, the wastewater makes its way to a treatment plant.
Urban Area Sewer Interceptors
The Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project is focusing on the rehabilitation of existing sanitary sewer interceptors and manholes throughout RWSA’s urban service area. The project aims to inspect 12,000 feet of pipe, repair 7,000 feet of pipe, and rehabilitate 21 manholes. Repairing sewer pipe defects is essential to prevent rainwater and groundwater from infiltrating the system. When unwanted water enters the sewer network, it increases the volume of flow that treatment plants must handle, leading to higher energy use, treatment costs, and potential system overloads during heavy rainfall. This infiltration can also cause backups, overflows, and contamination of local waterways, posing risks to public health and the environment. By repairing cracks, joint failures, and other defects, RWSA can ensure the sewer system operates efficiently.
For this project, RWSA plans to use a Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP Lining) repair method. This process reinforces the interior of the pipe by installing a flexible liner that is then cured in place. The curing process is completed using steam heat or UV light. Once cured, the liner acts like a pipe within a pipe, mitigating any water infiltration. Manhole rehabilitation will receive a special internal coating.
RWSA has contracted with Vortex Services, LLC to complete this work. The contract was awarded for $1,439,440.
Residents may see contractors inspecting and repairing pipes. For work requiring property access, Rivanna will communicate directly with the property owner.