A water leak in the new Duval County Courthouse that resulted in damage to carpet, drywall and ceiling tiles will not delay the facility’s anticipated late May opening nor cost the City additional funds, according to a City official.
Jim Robinson, acting director of Public Works, briefed members of the City Council Recreation, Community Development, Public Health and Safety Committee Tuesday about the April 9 leak.
According to a report by Turner Construction, the courthouse’s general construction contractor, the leak affected 15 rooms on the first and second floors — around 3,267 square feet total — and was active for about 30 minutes.
The incident report said the leak was from a pipe joint that was not live but had remaining pressure and was isolated to a closed control valve.
Once the initial pressure was released, the line “basically drained until contained,” the report said.
Robinson described the leak to Council as “unfortunate but not a major issue.”
The report said restoration and repairs began immediately and included the application of an anti-microbial agent to damp areas.
Installed fans were left running for five days and the HVAC system was adjusted to help dehumidify the affected areas.
The costs of the repairs are covered by the general contractor’s warranty that includes contingencies for such incidents, Robinson said.
The leak and repairs will not affect the courthouse’s anticipated opening date of May 29, he said.
356-2466