Some Knifley residents will soon have access to high-speed internet thanks to innovative technology and a collaboration between Duo Broadband and the local utility district.
Manager Lenny Stone explained a process that will allow Duo Broadband to insert fiber optic cables into waterlines during the monthly meeting of the Columbia Adair Utilities District last week.
“They take casing the size of a straw and put it inside the waterline,” Stone said. “When the water pressure flows, there is an umbrella that pulls the line through and it goes to the next valve.”
Stone demonstrated the process for the board as he explained that the line will become attached to the bottom of the waterline.
The district is already working on a project to install a waterline under the lake in the Knifley area, so the timing for the collaboration is perfect.
“Our goal was to improve the water pressure in Knifley. Not only will we do that but we will help Duo-County take care of the internet problem in Knifley,” said board chairman David Jones.
Stone said the project could go larger in the future because the fiber optic line will also benefit the district. It will provide readings that will show if there is a leak, it shows exactly where the line is located, and it monitors water pressure.
Stone said he knew of no downside to the project and PSC and the Division of Water have approved the process. They will have to approve the Knifley project specifically before it can take place, however.
His only concern, Stone said, comes if the lines are added somewhere besides under the lake and the district has to bore into the line and breaks the fiber optic line. He has been told that is not an issue. In addition, if the utility district has a repair, they will not be required to wait on Duo Broadband to make the fix.
Stone said the fiber optic lines are being used in England now and they have the capability to run the internet lines through waterlines up into a house.
“It’s really exciting stuff,” he said.
The board approved the project and will not charge Duo Broadband for the rights to put the lines in waterlines to cross the lake.
Also during the meeting, Stone and incoming general manager Bradley Miller updated the board on a project to identify all waterlines in the county, as required by the federal government. The project is designed to identify any lead pipes in the system.
Miller said any lines installed by the district will not have lead pipe so that leaves pipes on private property. They have identified 1,300 meters and any lines coming from those, and have around 7,200 more to do.
The district is also sending a survey to all customers asking them to identify what type of pipes are in their homes. The EPA requires information be completed by the district by Oct. 16.
The meeting adjourned after the board went into executive session to discuss property. No action was taken.
In addition to Jones, board members Terry Partin, Junior Brown and Ben Loy were present for the meeting.
By Sharon Burton
snburton@adairvoice.com
