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Infrastructure Replacement 2022 Annual Report

Work to replace and update critical infrastructure continued to progress throughout 2022.

District and contracted crews replaced 18.2 miles of gas mains and 15.9 miles of water mains. Condition assessment on an additional 2.1 miles of water main was completed, which allows the District to plan repairs based on pipe deterioration data to mitigate the risk of future breaks. Prioritization of water main replacements is based on a sophisticated risk model and asset management plan that considers a variety of factors, including break history, type of pipe and consequence of failure.

Supply chain disruptions impacted both water and gas projects. On the gas side, projects saw significant delays of materials for gas services, impacting overall replacement mileage goals.

The infrastructure replacement program began in 2008, prioritizing the replacement of 560 miles of cast iron gas mains. So far, more than 420 miles have been replaced, with a plan to replace all cast iron mains by the end of 2027. Nearly 135 miles of water mains have been replaced or rehabilitated, with a long-term goal to increase the rate of water main replacements to approximately 25 miles a year.

Gas and water rates include monthly fees to provide long-term funding for the program. The District also issues bonds, as needed, to help fund infrastructure replacement.

Whenever possible, we work in conjunction with road or development projects or the City of Omaha’s combined sewer separation work to save money and minimize inconvenience to our customers and the community.