City of Lake Elmo, MN

Public Works will be exercising 1/3 of the city’s gate valves starting July 27^th.  Many of the city’s water main gate valves lay eight feet beneath the surface of the street.  Without exercising these gate valve regularly, they can seize up becoming inoperable.  Sand or rocks can also fill the access hole not allowing staff members to operate them in an emergency.  The valves are strategically placed to isolate areas of the main should a main break or leak occur.  Without these valves in good working condition large areas of the system would have to be shut down instead of isolating small segments of the water main.  Should you see Public Works staff exercising valves please slow down to prevent injury or damage to equipment.                                      

THANK YOU!