The water distribution section is a branch of the City of Newberg Public Works Maintenance Division that is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the city's water distribution system. This section consists of 102.34 miles of water lines ranging in sizes from 3/4” to 24” inches in diameter. Within the 102.34 miles, there are about 6,500 water meters ranging in size from ¾” to 6” that serves homes, businesses, churches, and parks. Each month a maintenance employee will read all the water meters by a high-powered radio frequency transmitter. With this technology, one city employee is capable of reading all 6,500 water meters in one day!
To maintain the water distribution system, all large water meters are inspected and tested annually, and all main line valves, air relief valves, pressure reducing/sustaining valves, and water mail lines are inspected and serviced. In addition, the water crews inspects, paints, and exercises over 800 fire hydrants and fire hydrant valves; and conducts annual flushing of the system, including "dead end" lines, to maintain a high level of water quality.