Water main being replaced in Joplin - KOAM TV 7

Water main being replaced in Joplin

Missouri American Water is updating a water main in Joplin.

It's a project that some say could make way for more businesses to rebuild after the tornado.

The project includes replacing 900 feet of water main that is more than 60 years old.  The two inch pipe will be replaced with pipe that is eight inches in diameter.

Work is being done at an intersection near 17th and Connecticut Streets.

Missouri American Water says the area has had a lot of main breaks in the past, three or four in the past five years.  Taxpayers have to foot the bill to fix these leaks.

Joplin residents will also pay for this current project's $35,000 cost.

But the company says it's a great opportunity to update the pipes that will allow more water pressure to more homes, and businesses.

"We're taking opportunities to work with the city and maybe do some upgrades that we wouldn't have had the opportunity to do prior to the storm," says Christie Barnhard of Missouri American Water.  "So, there are opportunities for us to do things better."