Sebring water flushing starts Tuesday

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.

The flushing involves closing valves in a specific sequence to create water movement in one direction, while opening specific fire hydrants at the end of that sequence.

The technique allows higher water-flow velocities by isolating certain sections of water mains.

The higher water velocity allows for better scouring of the pipes and will use 40 percent less water in the flushing process than conventional flushing methods.

Flushing pipes at higher velocities will dislodge and remove mineral deposits and sediment that accumulate in the water mains, village officials say.

In most cases, customers will not notice any changes to their water delivery during the flushing.

Customers should not experience an interruption in water service during the flushing process.

Due to varying velocities and flow rates in the water system, customers may experience a temporary drop in water pressure and slight discoloration in their water, which, at times, is unavoidable, Giroux said in a news release.

Under most circumstances, customers can run their faucets for a short time after the flushing is completed, and the water should clear at their residences.

The discolored water does not pose a health hazard; however, iron, manganese and orthophosphate may be stirred up within the water system during the flushing, Giroux said.

If the discolored water does not clear up after running a tap for a few minutes or creates staining on porcelain and laundry, customers should call the village water department at 330-938-6144 for additional assistance, Giroux said.