Water, the City, and Contractors

Just got back from the worksite. Juan Antonio ("Tony") was there setting up for the day. I asked him if the water meters affect him at all. A little, he said, but he said they didn't "need" water. (I'm not so sure, but I know nothing).

"Nick" from the City was talking to two sub-contractors for the water meter project. I asked the City guy about the water situation, saying that this was the second day we were getting one-day notices on water shutdowns. I asked how much longer.

"Until we're done."

"Sorry, but that's not good enough. I've got a crew working on that remodel across the street, and they need water."

"What for? Why do they need water?"

"For minor clean-ups. For drinking."

"Oh. A couple of more days. We're giving you day warnings."

"Understood. But I want to try to cut the delays on my project."

One of the contractors chimed in: "Here's what it is, bro..." [I am NOT your bro, unless my dad and mom (rest in peace) gave birth to you a decade after her hysterectomy when I was about ten... I think this, but it stays a thought bubble, unsaid... Lisa would have been proud] "... the way the valves are here, all the houses on this street" [gestures up and down Maxine] "are tied in with the ones on that street" [gestures to Gill] "so we gotta shut 'em all down."

"OK, so how long? People need to know, my neighbors are delaying doing laundry, washing dishes. They need to know."

Nick: "I don't know. A week, maybe. We gave them a notice. It told them."

"No, it told them when it would start. Not an ending date. These people need to know."

"But a lot of things could happen. A pipe could burst. A valve could break."

"Understood. But a best estimate. You know, as a professional."

Nick looks at my "bro" sub-contractor. He shrugs: "Friday?"

"All these houses in both streets? In two days? Today's Wednesday." I'm trying to give this guy an out.

"We're fast... that's why the City brought us in." I don't laugh outright, but I must have smiled, since "Bro" turned to consult with the other sub-contractor in Spanish. I can only make out "dos dias"...

"Bro": "The last day we should have to turn off the water should be Friday. We may need to lower the pressure Monday and Tuesday of next week, but no full shut off."

"Great. So the rest of this week for shut offs, lowered pressure next week, if all goes well. And we're done, right?"

Nick and bro nod, though Nick looks unhappy about it.

And we'll see if "a lot of things" happen.