Brown water alert. PUC feeling flushed

NEWS RELEASE PUC SERVICES ************************* Unidirectional flushing program continues SAULT STE.

NEWS RELEASE

PUC SERVICES

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Unidirectional flushing program continues

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (31 May 2014) – PUC customers are reminded that the Unidirectional Flushing (UDF) Program continues this week in the east end of the city.

Customers are encouraged to visit the PUC website at www.ssmpuc.com for regular updates and to see a map(s) of the flushing areas.

The PUC would like to advise customers that during flushing activities there is a strong possibility that customers outside of the immediate flushing areacould also experience discoloured water.

This is due to the fact that any time there is a major change in the rate or direction of flow of water in the distribution system, sediment in the watermains can be disturbed and carried along with the water.

The UDF Program is carried out to remove that sediment from within the city’s watermains and is a recognized industry best practice for improving water quality.

UDF operations will generally occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. during weekdays only.

Again, there is a possibility that during flushing activities customers outside of the immediate flushing area could experience discoloured water.

If you notice your water is discoloured please follow these steps:

Turn on a cold-water tap and let the water run for a 15 minutes maximum. It is best to use a bathtub tap as there is no screen to trap any sediment.
If the water does not clear up after 15 minutes of flushing, wait 30 minutes and try again. If the water does not clear up after two 15 minute flushing cycles, please call PUC Customer Service at 705-759-6522 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. and 705-759-6555 at all other times.

A plan is underway, including a number of short and long term measures, to resolve the water quality issues.

This is a lengthy process however customers can expect a significant improvement in water quality by the end of the first year including a significant reduction in the number of discoloured water events.

PUC Services apologizes for this inconvenience.

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