From sewer line repairs to flood defense monitoring, Portsmouth city workers logged a heavy workload throughout December, according to the latest City Manager’s monthly report. Crews tackled dozens of underground repairs, routine maintenance, and emergency responses as winter weather set in.
Sewer Maintenance and Drainage
City sewer crews handled a steady stream of calls and preventative work during the month, including:
- 15 dig-downs
- 6 storm lines cleaned
- 12 sanitary lines cleaned
- 4 sanitary manholes cleaned
- 24 storm basins cleaned
- 6 dye tests completed
This work helps prevent backups and flooding, particularly during heavy rain and snowmelt.
Flood Defense Operations
Flood protection remained a priority as crews continued monitoring the city’s flood infrastructure, including the earthen levee, flood wall, pump stations, gate houses, and underpasses.
December flood defense work included:
- Cleaning wet wells at the Offenere Street and 16th Street underpasses with assistance from sewer crews
- Addressing an electrical issue at the #1-A station (Bob and Floyd’s area), with repairs underway
- Meeting with Mechanical Construction to assess the Mill Street Gate, with findings pending
- Ongoing operation of the Mill Street Pump Station during rain events
Wastewater Treatment Plants
Portsmouth Plant
Crews completed multiple upgrades and maintenance tasks, including:
- Replacing ball floats on the Raptor Screen
- Electrical rewiring on the mechanical rake by West End Electric
- Ordering conveyor hoods to allow for winter heat retention
- Installing a rebuilt East Pump at the 3rd & Madison Pump Station
- Replacing a grinder at the Filter Belt Press
- General cleanup around the plant and pump stations
Sciotoville Plant
Work at the Sciotoville facility included:
- Ordering parts to repair the blower electric panel
- Strand Associates performing work on pump stations
Water Line Repairs
Water crews were especially busy in December, responding to multiple main breaks across the city and West Portsmouth. Repairs included:
- Harding Avenue (multiple locations)
- 9th Street
- 4th Street
- High Street
- 18th Street
- Orizaba Lane
- John Street (16-inch main)
- Gay Street
- Dorman Drive
- Sunrise Avenue
- Rhodes Avenue
- River Road near the Filtration Plant
- Blank Street in West Portsmouth
In total, crews repaired 15 separate water main breaks, ranging from 4-inch to 16-inch lines.
Trash Collection
City Sanitation crews also logged significant numbers during the month, removing:
- 762.71 tons of city trash
- 812.83 tons of additional trash
Keeping the City Running
While much of this work happens out of sight, December’s report highlights the scale of effort required to keep Portsmouth’s water, sewer, flood protection, and sanitation systems operating—especially during the colder months when infrastructure is under added stress.
