HYDRANT FLUSHING

          Why we do it......

You have probably seen it many times and thought to yourself, "what a waste of good clean water!"  Flushing hydrants can be frustrating to residents.  While it may seem like a waste of good clean water, flushing of hydrants is essential to keeping your water safe and maintain the integrity of a pipe network.  Flushing hydrants can be done to not only test the fire flow capacity in the event of a fire, but also to remove sediment and rust from the water, or to maintain proper chlorine concentrations in your area.

The main objective of water main flushing is to clean the pipes & improve water quality.

Flushing removes & aids in the following:

• Accumulation of sand, silt, iron, & manganese in the distribution system
  
• Degraded water
  
• Biofilm formation
  
• Circulates chlorinated water into areas that have become depleted of free available chlorine
  
• Decreased taste and odor problems, customer water quality complaints
  
• Decreased Total Trihalomethanes & Haloacetic acids disinfection by products
  
• Safe Drinking Water Act primary & secondary regulatory compliance

How will Flushing Affect Water Service?

When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of very low pressure or even a complete stoppage of service.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How will this affect my water?

A. During the actual flushing process, water customers may experience some disturbance in their usual water service such as a short-term decrease in water pressure or discolored water. Although the water does not pose a health risk, it is recommended to avoid drinking the water until it runs clear from the tap.

• Don't prepare baby food or formula if the water is discolored. Use bottled water or pre-prepared food or formula.  You can also boil the water for 5 minutes to ensure safety.
• Do not wash clothes if the water is discolored.
• It is okay to use the water for showering, bathing, and toilet flushing.

Q. What should I do after the flushing?

A. If you use tap water during or immediately after flushing, it could come out with sediment or be discolored.  If you encounter discolored water, shut the water off and wait approximately ten minutes.  After ten minutes, open several cold water faucets in your home allowing new water to work its way into your pipes.  Leave the faucets running for several minutes until the discoloration is gone and the water runs clear. In some infrequent cases, customers may experience slight discoloration for a few hours.  This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water; it does not affect the taste or water quality. Lastly, avoid washing laundry until the water is clear from the tap.  Wash a load of dark clothes first.

Q. What should I do if my water pressure or volume seems low after flushing?

A.  Check your faucet and washer screens for trapped debris.

Q. Why does the water look funny after hydrant flushing?

A. When a hydrant is opened, there will always be temporary incidences of discolored water containing fine sediment particles making the water appear brown or rust-colored.  In addition, fine air bubbles may be introduced into the water giving it a milky appearance.  There is no health hazard associated with discolored water.  Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate.  To verify the water has settled, allow your cold water tap to run a few minutes.  If the discoloration persists for more six (6) hours, please contact Summit Park PSD at (304) 623-5304.

Q. Is it OK to drink sediment-laden or discolored water during temporary disturbance events?

A. We recommend water users wait until the water has cleared before using it for potable purposes or for washing clothes.

Q. What is the sediment in the water system and how does it get there?

A. Water naturally contains mineral which react with the inside of the pipe to produce the by-product.  This chemical reaction between the pipe and water is a normal and natural process.  This process can occur on the inside of the pipe and prevent an adequate volume of water flow.  The flushing process removes much of this by-product.