The Star Sewer and Water District in Idaho has successfully completed a critical water infrastructure upgrade using AVT’s EZ Valve insertion valve technology, allowing crews to install a new water line connection without interrupting service to existing customers.
The project marks the district’s first use of insertion valve technology and demonstrates how innovative solutions can help utilities expand and improve networks while avoiding the operational and customer impacts associated with traditional water main shutdowns.
Faced with the need to connect a new line to an existing 10-inch C900 water main, district officials encountered a significant challenge. The planned tie-in location was situated between two existing isolation valves, leaving no practical way to isolate the section of pipe without shutting down water service to residents.
Working in partnership with Ferguson Waterworks and AVT, the district identified the AVT EZ Valve as an effective solution. The patented insertion valve can be installed directly onto a live water main under pressure, enabling utilities to create a new isolation point while keeping the system fully operational.
Ferguson Waterworks’ Municipal Sales Team introduced the district to AVT’s insertion valve technology and worked closely with AVT engineers to support the project from planning through to installation. AVT provided technical guidance, references from neighboring municipalities already using the technology, and documentation confirming compliance with Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements.
The selected solution was a 10-inch BABA-compliant AVT EZ Valve installed directly onto the live water main.
Unlike traditional approaches that often require multiple excavations and system shutdowns, the AVT EZ Valve establishes a permanent control point through a single excavation while the pipeline remains in service. The technology is designed for use on a variety of common pipe materials and provides municipalities with new flexibility when managing aging or expanding infrastructure.
Installation was performed by Spencer Stone of Curb Box Specialist, an AVT-certified installer serving communities throughout the Northwestern United States.
District staff remained on-site during the installation and observed the process firsthand. According to project participants, the simplicity and speed of the installation exceeded expectations, with the new valve commissioned and operational in just a matter of hours.
Following the successful completion of the project, district officials expressed confidence in the technology and indicated they would have no hesitation in utilizing AVT EZ Valves on future infrastructure improvements.
The success of the installation has already led to additional deployment within the district’s water system. An 8-inch AVT EZ Valve has since been installed at another location, and discussions are underway regarding the inclusion of AVT insertion valve technology as a preferred specification within future City standards.
