Barrow Utilities operates a direct bury system for areas that are not serviced by the Utilidor. This system is where insulated pipe is “buried” underground. The direct bury provides approximately 22 miles of water and sewer main lines, as well as fire protection. There is no access to these lines, unless they are excavated. However, there are manholes for isolating water and sewer main lines. Fire hydrants are located in manholes with a maximum spacing of 630 feet between them.
Direct bury sewage collection system
The direct bury sewage collection system operates in a similar manner as the sewage collection system in the Utilidor. Sewage generally flows by gravity from the building being served to the direct bury sewer main line in the street, and ultimately it flows to a pumping station where it is pumped to the “South Salt lagoon” for natural treatment. The only basic difference between the direct bury system and the Utilidor system are related to the fact that in direct bury, the main lines are relatively inaccessible (buried in the permafrost), while in the Utilidor they are accessible throughout the Utilidor.
Direct bury water distribution system
The direct bury water distribution system consists of a circulating water piping network buried in the street right-of-way which distributes potable water to the individual buildings served by the system. The water lines leave the Utilidor at a number of locations, run through the various areas of the Barrow community and return to the Utilidor at other locations. A small circulation water network will keep the water from freezing. Since there is no Utilidor in which to locate the circulation pump, the pump is located in a “service barrel” outside the residence or commercial building (one circulation pump per service barrel). It is powered from an electrical panel mounted on the building being served. A flow switch with indicator lights (usually visible from the road) has been provided to aid the O & M personnel in monitoring the water circulation in the service barrel.