Full Notification

Public Service Announcement
 
March 30, 2020
 
The Department of Public Service will be flushing water mains in the high service area, weekdays from 9am to 4pm, beginning Tuesday, March 31^st, 2020.  Affected areas include: Homer Folks Ave, Overlook Dr, Suncrest Terrace, College Terrace, West Street (north of Hartwick Dr), Ravine Parkway (North and South), Bugbee Rd, Blodgett Dr, Brigham Rd, Carson Rd, Farone Dr, College Park Dr, Crestmont Terrace, Woodside Ave (north of the gate), East St (north of #170), Lincoln St, and Grant St.  See attached map for highlighted areas to be affected.  Flushing in these areas is expected to be completed within a week.
 
During flushing, water users may experience a change in water color, pressure and/or loss of water. This is a common, temporary occurrence and is not a cause for alarm.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why is the water discolored? The public should be advised that the water is often discolored after flushing water mains.  Discoloration should disappear quickly after they run the faucets in their homes or business.  The public should be advised not to use discolored water for food or beverage preparation, medical or dental procedures, or laundry.  A cold-water tap should be turne don and run for a few minutes until the discoloration has disappeared.  The public should be advised not to use hot water until the discoloration has disappeared to avoid drawing sediment into their hot water heater.  Once the discoloration has disappeared, customers can resume normal water use.  The public should be advised to contact the City if the water discoloration persists for 2-3 hours.
2. Why is the water cloudy looking?  The public should be advised that the water may be cloudy due to air entrainment caused by flushing the water mains,  but that the water is safe for consumption.
3. Why does the water have a chlorine smell?  The public should be advised that chlorine is added to the water to make it safe for consumption and there may be an increased chlorine smell after flushing the water mains.  The public should be advised that the chlorine smell and taste may subside within 24 hours of water use.