INC NEWS - City Conducts Water Distribution System Flushing Beginning June 15

[RW Pickle]

>From the Public Affairs office of the City.
RWP
27 Beverly

Regular System Maintenance Method Used to Improve Water Quality

Durham, N.C. — City of Durham Water and Sewer Maintenance crews will begin
flushing the water distribution system on Friday, June 15, 2007, for
regular system maintenance and to improve the overall quality of water
distributed throughout the system.   

Crews will begin working at 6 p.m. on Friday, completing activities around
6 a.m. Saturday morning in an effort to minimize any inconvenience to
water customers.   Activities will renew Saturday evening and are expected
to continue through Tuesday morning.   Crews are beginning with the larger
distribution lines first, flushing smaller lines in the system as time
permits. 

Unidirectional 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 activities, there is a potential for the first water from
customers’ taps to be slightly discolored.  If after running the tap for a
couple of minutes the water remains discolored, customers should contact
the City’s Water and Sewer Maintenance Division in the Department of Water
Management at (919) 560-4344. 

Flushing crews will be continuously monitoring chlorine residuals to
ensure adequate disinfection levels remain in the system to protect
against any potential health concerns.  Customers are advised not to wash
white clothing if there is slightly water 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; and 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
http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/wm/ or call (919) 560-4381 to request
a copy of the City’s annual water quality report, Tap in to Quality.