26. Reasonableness Review-Job No. 5089-Baseline Avenue East of Cypress Avenue-Install 24-Inch Pipeline, Services and Fire Hydrants

SGV installed 2,308 feet of 24-inch pipe, 183 feet of 12-inch pipe, 37 feet of 8-inch pipe, 21 one-inch services and four 6-inch fire hydrants. The project was placed in service in 2007 at a recorded cost of $498,203.

26.1. Positions of Parties

COF represents the replacement of the pipeline was appropriate. However, COF argues the pipeline is larger diameter than needed because replacement was not identified by system modeling or included in the April 2005 Master Plan, which did not indicate system deficiencies. COF recommends the cost be reduced by the difference between the material costs for the original pipe size and the 24-inch pipe installed. COF estimates the disallowance at $53,000.

FUSD agrees with the position taken by COF.

SGV states the City of Fontana informed it in 2005 of plans to reconstruct a sewer and storm drain in Baseline Avenue. SGV states that since its existing eight-inch facilities under the street were not deep enough, they would have to be replaced. SGV states that the use of larger pipe enhanced its ability to transport lower cost water from the northeastern part of its service area.

SGV states a 24-inch pipe was chosen because it would keep the velocity of water in the pipe, at the current maximum day water requirement, at 5.2 feet per second. Use of a 16-inch pipe would yield a velocity of 11.6 feet per second. Use of the 24-inch pipe results in velocities within the desired range.

26.2. Discussion

Use of the 24-inch pipe produces velocities within the desired range resulting in lower pumping costs. SGV's choice of 24-inch pipe is reasonable and the project is reasonable.