Why are hydrants flushed?
Periodically, you
will see Public Works personnel releasing water from hydrants. Hydrant flushing
is necessary to test the hydrants to make sure adequate flow and pressure
is available. Flushing is also done to remove sediment from the pipes in
order to maintain water clarity and quality in the distribution pipes.
Is my water safe to drink after flushing?
Your water is safe
to drink. Occasionally, water becomes discolored after hydrant flushing.
If this happens, run your cold water tap for a few minutes until the water
clears. If it doesn't clear the first time, wait a few minutes and run the
water again. You should avoid washing clothes until the water clears.
How can I found out if hydrants will be flushed
in my area?
Information regarding
hydrant flushing can be obtained by calling 410-396-5352.
Common Water Quality
Complaints
On average, the City’s
Water Quality Laboratory receives about 300 drinking water quality complaints
each year. Our staff has been very diligent and successful
in meeting the City’s goal of quickly addressing concerns through not only
a comprehensive testing program but also by either initiating or suggesting
remedial action for complaint resolution.
A large percentage of the
complaints received fall into one of the following areas:
Rusty Water
As described in the previous
section, fire hydrants are periodically opened to flush water mains in
the system. Additionally, Fire and Public Works Department
personnel routinely use hydrants to make assessments as to whether adequate
pressure and flow are available to satisfy normal system demands as well as the increased demand required
in the event of a fire. These
actions, as well as some construction activities, may result in brief
periods during which you may observe moderate discoloration in your tap
water.
In addition to following
the suggestions outlined previously, you should be aware that the City
is involved in an aggressive water main cleaning and lining program that
will in good measure reduce the occurrence of this problem.
More information regarding the water main rehabilitation program
can be found on this web site.
Cloudy
/ Milky Water
In the late fall and winter
months the water that enters your homes can be quite cold. When this cold water enters your home plumbing, it is exposed to
significantly warmer temperatures. This
causes dissolved oxygen, that can reach and significantly higher levels
in colder water than in warmer water, to escape in the form of “micro-bubbles”
that can give water a cloudy appearance.
If a glass of this water is allowed to sit for a short period of
time the cloudy effect will dissipate.
White
Particles in the Water
It
has been determined that a number of hot water heaters manufactured between
1993 and 1997 may have defective cold water supply dip-tubes. These tubes are designed to direct the cold
water entering the heaters to the bottom, thereby forcing the previously
heated water to the hot water outlet near the top of the tank. The defective dip tubes have been found to
separate from the cold water inlet and, over time, disintegrate into minute
pieces resembling crumbled eggshells.
This
material can readily clog sink aerators and showerheads but is said to
be non-toxic.
Off-Taste
Over the years, numerous
cases of off-taste complaints have been resolved favorably when customers
have been advised to disconnect out-door garden hoses.
Often these hoses, with nozzles attached, can be found in a collapsed
condition. It appears that in these
cases, the rubber-like or plastic-tasting water that had been in the hose
could, under the right conditions, be pulled back into homes by partial
vacuum pressure. |
