Bland Public Works Director Jason Lewis said on Tuesday that 5,000 feet of new pipeline has been replaced since the new water infrastructure project started three weeks ago.

“We are about one-third of the way there to the 15,000 feet of pipeline we expect to replace,” Lewis said.

There are two or three crews in town throughout the day.

“Right now on Missouri Street, we are working on the south side to replace valves and connect to the existing mainline,” Lewis said. “On the north side they are almost finished on Kansas City Street and will be moving from there to Taylor Street towards Highway 28.”

Last week crews were working on the water storage tanks that were disconnected from the water tower for work to begin.

“They are done sandblasting the storage tanks and started painting,” Lewis said.

The new water tower was also expected to be delivered this week, but Lewis said he hasn’t heard from that company yet.

“They said the second week of November they would start moving it in, but I haven’t seen or heard anything yet,” Lewis said. “I will talk to Terris (Cates, the city engineer) tomorrow.”

Lewis said during the Nov. 8 city meeting that they will be scheduling a date to shut off the city’s water system for eight hours.

“We will save $28,000 to not have to do a wet tap,” Lewis said, explaining why it will be most cost effective to turn off the water versus rerouting it. “Then that money can be used for more upgrades.”

Lewis said they will announce the date once they arrange it. Neither a boil order or advisory will be necessary when the water is turned back on.