Why you might have discoloured water next week
Wednesday, July 04, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
PUC
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Public notice to PUC water customers
Unidirectional flushing program East End of City
This information is provided as a public service notification to consumers of municipal drinking water in Sault Ste. Marie and Rankin Reserve.
PUC will be initiating its Unidirectional flushing (UDF) program starting the week of July 9, starting in the east end of the city.
Go to PUC’s website to see a map of the latest area involved.
A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) is also posted on the website for information.
Many cities conduct some type of flushing program to clean their watermains.
Unidirectional flushing is considered the best way to improve water quality and maintain the reliability of the water distribution system.
This method of flushing removes loose sediment that comes from internal corrosion of the watermains and which slowly builds up at the bottom of the mains over many years.
Flushing operations will generally occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. during weekdays only.
The occurrence of discoloured water is expected during flushing activities as sediments are discharged from hydrants.
There may also be a slight drop in pressure.
Water service should not be disrupted during the flushing process.
It takes about 30 to 60 minutes to flush the watermains on each street.
PUC is informing the general public of the flushing program by posting this notice on its website and by publishing this notice in local newspapers.
In addition, residents within the flushing area will receive a notice at their door at least one day before flushing starts.
Furthermore, during the flushing activities, yellow signs will be posted on streets where flushing is taking place.
Residents are requested not to use any water during the flushing activities on their street so as to avoid drawing discoloured water into their house plumbing.
In particular, avoid laundering clothing to minimize staining and avoid using hot water to prevent drawing sediments into your hot water tank.
Consumers that do draw discoloured water need not be alarmed.
While PUC does not recommend anyone consume discoloured water, the water is and will remain safe for use at all times.
Customers may wish to store several liters of water in advance of the startup in the event they do experience discoloured water for a short period of time.
Anyone that does draw discoloured water is requested to immediately stop using water until PUC has completed flushing on their street.
Once PUC has completed the street, affected customers should flush their cold water faucets (preferably a laundry tub or bath tub without screens or filters) for 10 to 15 minutes to clear the lines before calling PUC.
Do not run the hot water, in order to avoid filling your hot water tank with discoloured water.
If the water does not clear up after at least 15 minutes of flushing several hours after PUC has completed work on your street, please call PUC Customer Service at 705-759-6522 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 705-759-6555 at all other times.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers, and wish to thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during these important maintenance activities.
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