INC NEWS - City to Conduct Water Distribution System Flushing

[RW Pickle]

PR from the City Water Management Dept.

RWP
27 Beverly


DURHAM— City of Durham Water and Sewer Maintenance crews will begin
flushing the water distribution system on Sunday, April 15, 2007, for
system maintenance and to improve the overall quality of water distributed
through the system.    This is a continuation of the system flushing that
was conducted in November and December of 2006.

Crews will begin working at 9 p.m. on Sunday evening, April 15th, to flush
large lines throughout the night, completing activities before 6 a.m. 
 During the next two to three weeks, staff will conduct flushing Sundays
through Thursdays during the late evening and early morning hours to
minimize any inconvenience to water customers.  Listed below are the areas
to be flushed:

*	S. Alston & E. Main out Alston to Avondale
*	S. Alston & Holloway St. out Holloway St. to Lynn Road
*	S. Alston & Angier out Angier, to Glover Rd. to Ellis Rd. to Pettigrew
*	Pettigrew St. to Chapel Hill St.

Uni-directional flushing moves water at a high velocity through the pipes
under the ground. 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, City staff hopes to avoid or
minimize any change in service delivery to customers.  Crews will also use
a de-chlorinating agent so that water entering the storm drains is
chlorine free.   

After flushing in the area, there is a potential for the first water from
the 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 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.  Customers
are advised not to wash white clothing if water is discolored since stains
may set in.

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 560-4381 to request a copy of the 2005 Tap in to
Quality report.