[Durham INC] City of Durham Response to Flushing Inquiries on INC List

[Blalock, Amy]

Sent on behalf of the City of Durham Water Management Department

 

First, we want to reiterate that the City's water is safe to drink.  It
is the City's practice to notify customers when and if their water is
unsafe for drinking.  Fortunately, we have not had to issue that type of
notice in my 25+ years with the City.  

 

In this particular instance, a planned construction activity stirred up
sediments in the City's distribution system which led to calls about
both yellow and brown water.  This was unanticipated event; the City's
contractor was following the routine process necessary to place a new
pipeline into service.  The flushing activity is required to pull water
into the new pipeline for pressure testing and disinfection prior to
placing it into service.  However, the system was not valved properly
and the high velocity used for the flushing activity stirred up
sediments.  

 

During this type of activity, the water may not be aesthetically
pleasing, but it remains fully disinfected and safe. Water Management
staff recommends that customers run their taps for a few minutes - until
it is clear - before using water for cooking and drinking. Also, don't
wash whites until the faucets run clear.

 

Ideally, we would like to be able to collect the water used in flushing
and reuse it for non-potable uses. However, the manpower and tanker
trucks and logistics required make this practice economically
infeasible.  In times of declared water shortage, we limit flushing
activities to the minimum necessary.  

 

We certainly regret any inconvenience this may have caused our
customers. As a reminder, we encourage customers to contact Durham One
Call at 919-560-1200 when concerns like this arise. They will advise of
construction activities in the area or direct you to the appropriate
Water Management staff for follow-up (water testing, etc.).

 

For information on Water Management Department projects or other
questions, please visit the City's website at www.DurhamNC.gov. 

 

Sincerely, 

Don Greeley

Director, Water Management Department

City of Durham

 

-----Original Message-----
Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2012 18:15:29 -0400

From: Laura Drey <lauradrey at ncrrbiz.com <mailto:lauradrey at ncrrbiz.com> >

To: InterNeighborhood Council <inc-list at DurhamINC.org
<mailto:inc-list at DurhamINC.org> >

Subject: [Durham INC] Brown water drinkable & can it stain white
clothes? Durham collecting water?

 

When people see brown water in their toilets will there also be brown
water in their kitchen and bathroom sinks and also in their clothes
washers? Is the brown water inside the house drinkable? Would using
pitchers that will filter water help get rid of what is causing the
water to be brown? Is it better when seeing brown colored water anywhere
in the house to be cautious and drink bottled water for a couple of
days?

 

I believe dumping water onto streets is extremely wasteful and even more
so during a drought. I would expect people in the future will look back
at pouring water down the sewer and be astounded that present day people
were so wasteful.  

 

I think it would be great if the city had a funds, manpower and
equipment for capturing the water that is emptied from fire hydrants
(say into water trucks). This water could than be used for watering
plants on public property ? such as trees in parks, plantings along the
roadways and new city trees whose roots systems are just beginning to
become established. In addition I would like it if individuals could
collect the water for personal plants. 

 

Laura

 

------------------------------

 

Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2012 20:40:47 -0400

From: Richard Ford <rbford at aim.com <mailto:rbford at aim.com> >

To: Laura Drey <lauradrey at ncrrbiz.com <mailto:lauradrey at ncrrbiz.com> >

 

If the water was harmful, wouldn't the City tell us ? This was my
experience in various towns in which I lived when actions produced brown
water.

 

Those of you who have more knowledge than I could address my idea that
water is endlessly recycled?

 

I do try to use any water that I am uncertain to drink for my plants. I
am frankly more concerned about protecting local water supplies than my
discolored water.

 

I have the feeling that we are still receiving water far safer than most
of the human race

 

Dick

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