Maintaining the Mains
Tucson Water Begins
New Season of
“Maintaining the Mains”
Tucson Water’s annual Maintaining the Mains system-flushing program began in late September 2003 and will continue through April 2004. This is the third year of this system maintenance program and more than 400 miles of water mains have been cleansed since the program began in January 2001.
Over time, naturally occurring sediments build up in water mains. Occasionally, these sediments impart a taste, odor, or color to the water Tucson Water delivers to customers. They also can provide a haven for natural bacteria by protecting them from the chlorine added to drinking water. The best and most efficient way to eliminate these sediments is to flush water through the mains at high velocity (a water flow of at least 5 feet/second) for five minutes or more, depending on the size of the water main. By opening and closing valves in the area, crews can maximize water flow at the targeted hydrants and ensure a thorough flushing occurs.
Each winter, Tucson Water crews temporarily modify water flow in specified areas of the water system in an organized and sequential manner in order to release water at high velocity from fire hydrants or system valves. This scours any existing sediment from the water mains. Conducting these flushes in an organized program can prevent water quality problems from occurring, stabilize chlorine levels in drinking water, and extend the life of the water system. System-wide flushing is a standard practice in most large water utilities and is recommended by the American Water Works Association.
As part of the Maintaining the Mains program, Tucson Water crews also will be checking that every fire hydrant in the areas being flushed is operating properly. This will help ensure that firefighters and the citizens they protect can depend on these life-saving devices to provide the water needed to combat fires.
In order to minimize the impact of temporarily altered water pressure on customers who live in the areas being flushed and to minimize traffic concerns, system flushing will take place Monday through Thursday between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.
This program requires Tucson Water crews to release water into streets, washes, or natural drainageways. Because of the high flow rates needed, the water must be unobstructed during the flushing procedure. Hoses cannot be used, and the water cannot be loaded into trucks or tankers to be used elsewhere. Any sediment that is washed out of the lines would have to be cleaned out of the water truck before it could be used to provide emergency supplies of drinking water, resulting in a greater total use of water. Water crews will monitor all water releases to ensure that each flush is completed in the most efficient manner possible.
Customers who would like additional information on this program may call 791-4331 or use the “Contact Us” button below.
