1.26.23

Wichita’s Northwest Water Facility Prepares for Winter Construction

Safety is a top priority during the construction of Wichita’s Northwest Water Facility (NWWF) – especially during the winter months. Extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds can present a variety of challenges on the job site. Wichita Water Partners is committed to maintaining safe working conditions as crews continue to build the $500 million water treatment facility. The following preparations help ensure everyone’s health and safety during cold weather construction.

Planning Ahead

While not ideal, impending winter weather can impact construction progress. Monitoring the Wichita forecast allows time to plan for severe conditions. Crews are called in early to clear the snow and ice before work begins at the site. Regular weather updates help supervisors schedule work activities throughout the day.

Reducing Risk

Providing well identified and designated walking paths can prevent slips, trips and falls on the job site. It is crucial to minimize ice buildup on the ground by having areas well graded and rut-free. Eliminating ruts prevents uneven surfaces from becoming walking hazards. Cold weather can  impact the quality of work. Equipment is more susceptible to damage in extreme temperatures so crews position materials in designated areas to avoid snow coverage.

Staying Warm

Working outside in wintry conditions can be dangerous. Crews dress appropriately for the cold using insulated gloves, boots and hats. Scheduling frequent warm-up breaks is important to limiting employees’ exposure to the harsh elements andwhen possible, work is moved indoors. If traveling to the NWWF is too treacherous for workers, construction will be paused until conditions improve.

Through preparation, communication and implementation, these measures help maintain a safe working environment at the NWWF construction site during cold weather. To learn more about this project visit www.wichitawaterworks.com.

###

Wichita’s $500 million Northwest Water Facility will provide the residents of Wichita and surrounding areas with 120 million gallons of safe, clean water each day. The project is the largest capital investment in the City’s history and leverages the latest water treatment technologies to treat water from two very different sources – surface water from Cheney Reservoir and groundwater from the Equus Beds Aquifer. The NWWF will replace the City’s 80-year-old water treatment facility and is estimated to provide $2 billion in local economic stimulus.