CFPUA unearths 112-year-old water valve during recent repair work

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A piece of history was recently dug up in downtown Wilmington.

As part of the City of Wilmington’s North Front Street Streetscape project, a contractor recently asked CFPUA to depressurize part of the water system to allow them to connect new water mains near the intersection of North Front and Grace streets.

While this portion of the system was out of service, CFPUA says they removed a 16” water valve and replaced a nearby fire hydrant. Casting dates on the valve indicate that it was built in 1910, meaning it has been serving downtown Wilmington for more than 110 years

According to CFPUA, valves are used to close off and isolate parts of the water system during repairs, leaks, and other issues that could affect water quality.

CFPUA says valves from the early 1900s, though sturdily constructed, have a higher turning radius and require more effort to open and close.

A handful of other valves in downtown Wilmington are of a similar age, but the North Front Streetscape project gave CFPUA the opportunity to remove one during ongoing work, reducing interruptions to customers.