Oxnard Water Distribution Valve Maintenance and Exercising

Valves are strategically placed in our water system so water can be turned off, on, or diverted in another direction. It is important the valves are operable for isolating sections of the water system when necessary, such as when a break occurs in the water main or service line or when a vehicle has hit a fire hydrant. Placement of the valves allows repairs or tie-ins to the system to be accomplished without having to shutdown large sections of the system.

As part of our recordkeeping, all the valves are accounted for through our computerized database. This database allows us to produce scheduled work orders to perform maintenance by our crews. The database also allows us to track and maintain a history of each valve in the system. Cleaning and maintaining the valve box is an important part of the maintenance associated with the program. Maintenance and repairs (as needed) of each valve is also part of the program. Each valve is worked every two years to ensure that it is fully operable and closes adequately.