RWA: Water Main Flushing Program

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Overview of Our Flushing Program

To improve the quality of water to our customers and clean sediment from the water mains the Regional Water Authority attempts to flush twenty-five percent of the entire distribution system or approximately 400 miles of water main annually. As a rule, the flushing season begins in mid-March and ends in November. The program is suspended in the winter to due to the freezing temperatures experienced in our service areas

Flushing AdWater mains that are 16-inches in diameter or smaller are flushed. The larger transmission water mains are designed to be self-scouring and do not require flushing. We post notices about the RWA Flushing Schedule in the newspaper (see sample at right).

Sediment and rust can collect in water mains. This can discolor water, cause undesirable tastes and odors, and over time impede the flow of water through the main. The mains are flushed by operating valves in the street and opening hydrants to force the flow of water in one direction to properly flush the water main.

Flushing is also done in response to customer complaints. This type of flushing is usually localized to one street or neighborhood to resolve a particular problem. Flushing also provides an opportunity for Authority personnel to identify any potential problems in the distribution system that may need attention.