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February 2025 - Brown-Faber Pipeline Replacement Project

Durham Irrigation District Upgrades Brown-Faber Pipeline in Downtown Durham - February 2025

Durham Irrigation District has completed a significant water infrastructure upgrade on the Brown-Faber pipeline in Durham to replace a segment of the 60-year-old steel pipeline that was in poor condition.

The newly installed, larger-diameter pipeline will enhance water flow and improve overall water delivery and efficiency for residents and businesses in the community.

 “Previously, the Brown-Faber pipeline was a leaky dead-end pipeline. With this improvement, water moves much more freely through the system with reduced waste and more reliability,” said Mike Butler of Sierra Water Utility, certified water operator for Durham Irrigation District. “This also allows the District’s pumps to work more efficiently, which in turn reduces electricity costs and extends the lifespan of the pumps.”

Butler noted that a 3-way valve was added, an improvement that enables Butler’s crew to isolate smaller sections of the system when future repairs are needed.

The total project cost was $52,000 to replace 220 feet of pipeline.

“The cost to make upgrades is significant for a small community-owned system like ours, but the replacement of this pipeline is a crucial step in strengthening our infrastructure and improving water service for our customers,” said Matt Doyle, chairman of the Durham Irrigation District board. “We appreciate the community’s patience during construction and are excited to complete this project, which will benefit the Durham community for years to come.”

The Durham Irrigation District remains dedicated to proactive maintenance and future infrastructure improvements to support the growing needs of the community.

A section of replaced pipe lying on the ground near a shovel. A 60-year old pipe was removed to make room for the new larger diameter pipeline, a clamp on the pipe is shown here from a previous repair.
A 60-year old pipe was removed to make room for the new larger diameter pipeline, a clamp on the pipe is shown here from a previous repair.
A long trench dug alongside a wooden fence and hedge with construction workers visible in the distance.
A 220-foot trench to replace the Brown-Faber line for the Durham Irrigation District.
A close-up of a rusty, hollow pipe lying on the ground with grass around it. A 220-foot trench to replace the Brown-Faber line for the Durham Irrigation District. Inside the 60-year old Brown-Faber line pipe that was recently upgraded to improve flows by Durham Irrigation District.
Inside the 60-year old Brown-Faber line pipe that was recently upgraded to improve flows by Durham Irrigation District.
A section of replaced pipe lying on the ground near a shovel. A 60-year old pipe was removed to make room for the new larger diameter pipeline, a clamp on the pipe is shown here from a previous repair.
A long trench dug alongside a wooden fence and hedge with construction workers visible in the distance.
A close-up of a rusty, hollow pipe lying on the ground with grass around it. A 220-foot trench to replace the Brown-Faber line for the Durham Irrigation District. Inside the 60-year old Brown-Faber line pipe that was recently upgraded to improve flows by Durham Irrigation District.

 

For more information visit www.didwater.org or call 530-343-1594.

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Last Updated: 2/24/2025

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