By Chhun Sun, The Gazette
Colorado Springs Utilities on Monday removed from service the second oldest water valve in the city’s municipal water system.
The cast-iron valve installed in 1888 — five years after the first Antlers hotel opened — was still working when utility workers used it for last month’s water main replacement project on Cascade Avenue in downtown Colorado Springs.
Water valves are used throughout the city to direct or control flow of water through pipes.
According to officials, the valve removal signifies an effort to renew aging water mains across the city to improve customer service and help the city’s 2C paving project — which voters approved in 2015 to rehabilitate city streets through a five-year sales tax increase.
Corey Farkas, the city’s streets division manager, said there are 90 valves close to the age of the one dug up Monday.
The piece will be put on display at the Colorado Springs Utilities Leon Young Service Center alongside other historical items that represent the city’s early days, including valve covers, manhole rings, electrical wiring and Christmas lights.
The city’s first valve was also placed in 1888 behind the Antlers hotel, Utilities officials said. It remains in operation.
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