Sebring to flush water system to reduce possible lead contamination

Staff report

SEBRING

The village will begin a unidirectional water-supply system flushing program Tuesday, and continue from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the week until it is completed.

The unidirectional flushing program is a method of cleaning the main waterlines through a network of flushing sequences, with the water being discharged from a fire hydrant, explained Village Manager Richard D. Giroux.

The flushing is being done to facilitate the distribution of orthophosphate, a new corrosion-control chemical, throughout the system to reduce the possibility of lead leaching from older service lines and residential plumbing into the water.

The village has been dealing with lead in its water since Jan. 21, which has prompted bottled-water distribution.

Learn more about the flushing method in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.