INC NEWS - City to Conduct Water Distribution System Flushing

[RW Pickle]

>From the City PR Dept.
RWP
27 Beverly


Durham, N.C. – City of Durham Water and Sewer Maintenance crews will begin
flushing the water distribution system on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006, for
system maintenance and to improve the overall quality of water distributed
through the system. 
 
Six crews will begin working at 9 p.m. on Sunday evening, Nov. 26, to
flush large lines throughout the night, completing activities before 6
a.m.  Flushing during the late evening and early morning hours will
minimize any inconvenience to water customers.  Crews will start with the
largest lines, 16-inch to 42-inch water mains leaving the Brown Water
Treatment Plant, and systematically move south through the city towards
the RTP area.  Staff anticipates that this portion of the program will be
completed by Dec. 1. 
 
After completing the large lines, crews will then begin flushing the
smaller lines, 12 inches and less, targeting older sections of the service
area. The target area is bounded by Hope Valley Road/Hwy. 751, Cornwallis
Road/Riddle Road/Hwy. 55 and Interstate 40. This portion of the flushing
program will be completed by mid-December. Due to the holidays and
anticipated freezing conditions in January and February, the City will
suspend flushing other portions of the service area until spring.
 
“Uni-directional flushing moves water at a high velocity through the pipes
under the ground,” said Terry Rolan, director of the City’s Department of
Water Management.  “Residues are scoured off the sides of the piping and
flushed out of the system, resulting in improved water quality.  By
flushing during off-peak water use hours, we hope to avoid or minimize any
change in service delivery to our customers.”  Crews will also use a
de-chlorinating agent so that water entering the storm drains is chlorine
free.
 
There is a potential for the first water out of customers’ taps to be
slightly discolored.  If after running the tap for a couple of minutes the
water remains discolored, customers should contact Water and Sewer
Maintenance at (919) 560-4344.  Discolored water does not necessarily pose
a health risk since flushing crews will be checking chlorine residuals to
ensure adequate levels of disinfection.  However, customers are advised
not to wash white clothing if water is discolored as stains may set in.
 
To review the area designated for flushing or for more information about
the City’s Department of Water Management or Durham’s water quality, refer
to the City’s website at www.durhamnc.gov.
 
About the Department of Water Management
The Department of Water Management is committed to: providing an adequate
supply of safe drinking water for all citizens of Durham; protecting the
environment through effective wastewater treatment (water reclamation),
water conservation and infrastructure maintenance; providing quality
customer service and affordable water and sewer services; maintaining full
compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements while managing
natural resources cost-effectively. For more information on the City’s
water quality or water treatment process, visit the City’s website at
www.durhamnc.gov or call (919) 560-4381 to request a copy of the 2005 Tap
in to Quality report.