Friday, March 25, 2016

Water and Sewer Department Prepare to Flush City Water Mains


Photo from the city web site
Today’s Middletown Press reports that over the next 12 to 14 weeks, the City of Middletown Water Department will perform its annual flushing of the city’s water mains.  This annual event is intended to flush sediments such as iron, from the pipes, helping to assure the quality of the city’s drinking water.


The article advises residents to keep an eye out for brown to red water and lower water pressure.  People should not drink the water until after it has cleared, and should not use hot water so as to prevent sediment from accumulating in the hot water tanks.


Should the flushing process discolor laundry, residents are advised to keep the laundry wet until the water clears, and then to re-wash it, adding four ounces of cream of tarter to the load.  The article does not say if that is by weight, or volume.  Nor does it describe the flushing process.



Those seeking further information may call 860-638-3500.

More information is provided on the City's web site:

System Flushing

Middletown Water currently has over 1,600 fire hydrants within its distribution system. We are required to flush each of these fire hydrants one time each year. We may flush as many as two or three times each year system wide. Hydrants on some dead end lines may be flushed monthly. This is done to ensure optimum water quality and fire protection.

The purpose of flushing is to remove sedimentation and mineral deposits that have settled on the bottom of the water mains. Temporary discolored or cloudy water could be a routine occurrence for customers within the immediate area during or immediately following the flushing operation. If this occurs, you will need to immediately open your cold water tap at each faucet until it clears. This should be done one faucet at a time. Once the water has cleared in your cold water, your hot water should also be flushed in a similar manner.

If the problem persists, you need to contact us at (860) 638-3500 and report the problem. The discoloration is a result of mineral deposits that have become encrusted on the water pipe's interior wall. This mineralized sediment is not harmful, but may cause laundry stains. If a load of wash is done during the period of discolored water, the load should be kept wet and rewash again after the water clears. Four ounces of cream of tartar should be added for to help remove any discoloration of the clothing.
If you have any question or concerns regarding our flushing program, please contact us at (860) 638-3500 or email us at Operations.

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