Scottsdale Water advances improvements to pressure reducing valve facilities

Scottsdale Water is nearing the halfway point of improvements to several Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) vaults throughout the city’s potable water distribution system, continuing its ongoing investment in aging infrastructure to improve system reliability and maintain safe, consistent water service for customers.

The current phase of construction began in June in the Desert Highlands community, where improvements to two PRV facilities are nearing completion. Two additional PRV facilities included in this phase are in Desert Highlands and Desert Mountain. Construction is expected to continue through November.

The improvements will modernize the existing facilities and add important system components, including bypass pipelines, that provide greater operational flexibility. The upgraded facilities also will improve conditions and safety for crews who perform routine maintenance and repairs.

“These improvements may not be something most residents see, but they are an important part of maintaining the reliability and flexibility of Scottsdale’s water system,” said Thyra Ryden-Diaz, interim senior director of water resources. “Investing in this infrastructure now helps ensure our system can continue providing safe and dependable water service well into the future.”

PRVs play an important role in Scottsdale’s water distribution system by regulating water pressure based on elevation and location. Because Scottsdale’s service area includes significant changes in elevation, managing pressure is essential to protecting water infrastructure. Proper pressure management helps protect pipelines and household plumbing while reducing the potential for water main breaks and service disruptions.

Scottsdale Water engineers and contractors are working closely with homeowners associations and residents throughout construction and are taking steps to minimize impacts wherever possible. Residents in affected areas may experience temporary changes in access, construction activity or other localized impacts as work progresses.

The PRV vault improvements are part of Scottsdale Water’s broader, ongoing effort to maintain and modernize the city’s water infrastructure and ensure a reliable water system for current and future generations.