CFPUA 2016 Water Main Flushing Program Continues
Important water quality effort also helps maintain more than 1,100 miles of water mains;
Information on locations to be regularly updated @ www.CFPUA.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mike McGill
(910) 332-6704
After Hours: (910) 622-8472
Mike.McGill@cfpua.org
communications@cfpua.org
NOTE: From May 9 through June 3rd, please contact Leslie Ogilvie, 332-6625 or leslie.ogilvie@cfpua.org
WILMINGTON, NC, May 4, 2016: Beginning Monday, May 9th and continuing throughout the summer months, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) crews from its Water Quality Section will be conducting the annual flushing program for our 1,100 mile-long drinking water system. As part of CFPUA’s commitment to provide safe, reliable drinking water, its crews flush all of its mains to maintain water quality, improve system flow and protect pipe integrity.
This is the fourth year CFPUA will conduct the program during the summer months. Flushing occurs during the summer for two main reasons: 1) warmer weather can increase the possibility of issues with disinfection byproducts and 2) conditions are safer for our employees – and our customers - by eliminating the potential for nighttime freezing of roadways and sidewalks.
Flushing is a routine operation, conducted by tens of thousands of water utilities every year. During the work, water is forced through pipes at high velocity and systematically flushed out of the fire hydrants, removing accumulated mineral sediment. Because of the process, it is possible that customers may experience periods of low pressure and/or water discoloration while flushing is taking place in their area. Therefore, it is recommended that customers refrain from washing clothes and minimize water use while flushing is being conducted. Customers who experience discoloration are advised to run the cold water for at least one minute to allow the lines to clear.
In addition to the more than 1,100 miles of water mains CFPUA maintains, we are also responsible for more than 7,700 fire hydrants and nearly 15,000 water valves. While CFPUA crews flush the system, they also test large water main line valves and fire hydrants to make sure they are operating properly.
The program work is conducted between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. to minimize customer impact. The entire flushing program is expected to run through the end of September. Section maps and updates will be posted on CFPUA’s website, www.cfpua.org. Click on the 2016 Flushing Program link under Quick Links.
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Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) was formed by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County to combine their water and sewer operations. It began operations on July 1, 2008. Today, the Authority serves more than 67,000 water customer accounts and more than 65,000 wastewater customer accounts. It oversees more than 1,100 miles of water distribution mains and nearly 1,000 miles of sewer mains. For more information, visit www.cfpua.org or contact CFPUA’s Communications staff at communications@cfpua.org.