NEWS
RELEASE
CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Keith
Lamb, Superintendent
Water
& Sewer Dept.
(856)
455-7257
CITY TO START SYSTEMATIC HYDRANT FLUSHING
CITY-WIDE OCTOBER 26th
The City of Bridgeton
Water Department will begin its annual fire hydrant flushing program on Monday,
October 26th. The Hydrant flushing process will operate on a rotating schedule through
the city over several weeks, taking place on a Monday through Friday basis, between
the hours of 8:00am to 4:00 pm. According to Water Superintendent Keith Lamb,
the program may take 3-4 weeks to complete.
“The main purpose of this
program is to make sure the city’s fire hydrants are operating properly,
through periodic inspections, flow testing and preventative maintenance.
Additionally, a pro-active hydrant flushing program is the key to lessening
water quality problems by removing iron and manganese mineral deposits from the
water line” said Lamb.
Lamb is quick to point out
that Fire hydrant flushing may cause temporary inconveniences such as lower
water pressure and appearance issues such as discoloration of tap water. “Discolored
water poses no threat to the public’s health, but it may stain laundry and if
consumed, may have an unpleasant taste. Residents should be certain that all
discolored water is out of their home’s plumbing and hot water heater prior to
washing clothes or drinking it” Lamb said.
In the event that clothes
become discolored due to the flushing operations, residents are advised not
place clothes in the dryer. A commercial fabric rust removal detergent is
available from the City of Bridgeton Water Department, located at 2 S.
Industrial Boulevard, and residents can obtain the detergent at the Industrial
Blvd location.
The City is asking for
cooperation with the hydrant program and asking that residents noticing
discolored water flush their system by running cold water from the bathtub for
approximately 5 minutes and/or flushing the toilet several times. If the
discoloration persists after that, residents should contact the City of
Bridgeton Water Department at 455-7257.
“Although
residents may experience some temporary inconveniences, the flushing program is
necessary to maintain a good water supply for both firefighting and domestic use”
said Lamb.
# # #
Questions
and concerns regarding this program may be directed to Keith Lamb, Water and
Sewer Superintendent at 455-7257