[Vision2020] PR - City to Perform Hydrant Flushing

[Stephanie Kalasz]

City of Moscow
206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Contact: Gary J. Riedner, City Supervisor
p     |  208-883-7006
e     |   griedner at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:griedner at ci.moscow.id.us>
w    |  www.ci.moscow.id.us<http://www.ci.moscow.id.us>

PRESS RELEASE
City of Moscow to Flush Fire Hydrants October 28 through November 1

October 26, 2012 (Moscow, Idaho) -- The City of Moscow Water Department will be performing fire hydrant flushing operations on October 28 through November 1, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

This operation was delayed due to the failure of Well #9 that occurred earlier this summer, which continues to be out of service.  With Well #9 out of service the available water production capability is approximately 5 million gallons per day.  At the peak of irrigation season, use reached around 4.8 million gallons per day and at the present time has decreased to about 1.5 million gallons per day.  As such, the City now has the necessary water production and storage capacity to allow for an effective flushing operation.

Flushing is tentatively scheduled as follows:

  *   On the 28th flushing will be from Main Street west to the City Limits between D Street and 6th Street, including the Frontier Addition.
  *   On the 29th from D Street north to the City Limits between Main Street and Polk Street.
  *   On the 30th from 6th Street north to the city limits between Polk Street and Mountain View Road to include the Fort Russell Area.
  *   On the 31st from 6th Street south to the Troy Highway and east to Mountain View Road to include the Indian Hills Addition.
  *   On the 1st everything east of Mountain View Road from the north to the south City Limits.

Flushing will be conducted during the night in an attempt to minimize the effects or red or dirty water on the public. It should be noted that since this is a work operation that there will be crews moving around the neighborhoods with vehicles and flashing lights. Citizens that need to contact the flushing crew directly should call 208.882.COPS.

Periodic flushing of the water distribution system is a vital part of the operation and maintenance function of any public water system, and a state regulatory requirement. The City's well water is high in iron and manganese which reacts with chlorine added as part of the flushing process creating floc, reddish colored fluffy particles, that will settle in the piping system during normal flow condition and be re-suspended during high flow periods, regardless of the well's filtering system. This re-suspended floc or sediment results in red or dirty water. Thorough flushing removes the majority of this sediment from the piping systems thereby improving overall water quality; however some floc or sediment may remain.


If you experience water discoloration, run the system's cold water for 10 minutes, or until it remains clear. If the water remains dirty, please call the City of Moscow Water Department at 208.883.3122 as this may require additional localized flushing. Residents are also advised not to do laundry until the water runs clear and it is also normal for the water to have a slight metallic taste for several days after the flushing is complete.  It is not harmful to ingest this sediment but it is not recommended.

The City of Moscow thanks citizens for their patience during this routine maintenance process which is necessary to ensure a continued supply of quality drinking water to citizens. To report problems, or if water discoloration persists for an extended period of time, citizens should call the Water Department during business hours 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 208.882.3122.

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Story Contact: Kurt Schwendiman, Water Distribution Lead Operator
Phone: 208.882.3122
Email: kschwendiman at ci.moscow.id.us<mailto:kschwendiman at ci.moscow.id.us>


The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring responsible use of resources.
We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to build public trust and enhance a sense of community.




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