Work has begun to replace a major section of water line through downtown Iola.
Crews have begun on South Washington Avenue, near the intersection of Acers Street, in removing the existing 8-inch water lines.
In order to get to the line, directly under the street, crews must cut into the asphalt surface, dig through 6 feet or so of dirt and rock, and replace the old cast iron water main with PVC pipe.
Iola Assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock said the old lines date back likely to the early 20th century.
The replacement work will eventually reach U.S. 54, Schinstock said.
Once the line is down, the open trench is filled with rock on a temporary basis, until street and alley crews can do a permanent repair.
That likely won’t happen until next year, Schinstock said.
In the interim, the city will periodically replenish the gravel fill material as it settles.
The newer water main should be significantly less prone to leaks and ruptures, Schinstock noted.