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County Water Department Notes Spring Flushing

Richmond County Water Department Announces Spring Flushing
Image from Richmond County Water Department website

Editor’s note:  It is the policy of the Richmond Observer to print news release material in its original format as it was received with minimal, if any, editorial adjustments.  The following missive was received from the Richmond County Water Department: 

”To address any water quality issues that you may have received, I would like to provide you with the following information:

The Richmond County Water Dept. began its annual spring water line flushing this past Friday and Saturday nights and will continue this coming weekend March 23 and 24. We will not perform any flushing over the Easter Holidays but will continue the following weekend as needed. I have attached notifications that were provided to all water department customers with another to be sent out April 1.

What is flushing and why is it necessary?? Flushing is the process of cleaning the water lines in a distribution system. It is necessary to remove sediment buildup that has accumulated over time, remove stale water at dead end locations due to low usage, and maintain proper chlorine residuals. Sediment comes from the solid materials that settle out of the water where they accumulate in the bottom of the water lines. When the sediment is stirred up (usually due to an increase in velocity of water) it can produce discolored water, odor or taste issues. Flushing the water lines at a high velocity assists in removing the buildup that may cause water quality issues. 

How is flushing conducted?? Crews open specific water hydrants which in turn allows the water to flow at increased velocities and scour the water line thus assisting in the removal of sediments. This continues until the water in the line flows clear. 

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What should customers expect during the flushing operation?? While flushing is being conducted, customers may experience some disturbances in their usual water service such as a short-term decrease in pressure or the appearance of discolored water. This is normal during the flushing operation. Once flushing is completed the pressure should return to normal. If water is discolored it is recommended to run cold water either from an outside faucet or tub until the water clears. The discoloration is a result of sediment being stirred up during the flushing operation and entering the customers service line. 

Being a rural county with @ 500+ miles of waterline, Richmond County has a lot of dead end locations (with low usage) where flushing will always be necessary during the summer months to maintain water quality. In addition, the water department has over the last 18-24 months purchased and installed @ 30 blowoff hydrants and 9 auto flushing devices at various locations throughout the county. The blowoff hydrants allow us to flush water at dead end locations whereas previously we could not. The auto-flushing devices are installed once the freezing weather has passed and they allow us to flush water lines by using an attached timing device. 

As always, the Richmond County Water Department works diligently to provide quality water to all of its customers and minimize any water quality related issues. If anyone has any questions, they can contact the Richmond County Water Maintenance Dept. at 997-8338.” 

Thank you,
Jerry L Austin Jr
Public Works Director
191 Walter Kelly Road
Rockingham, NC 28379
910-997-8338 (office)
910-417-4912 (fax)
jerry.austin@richmondnc.com



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