CFPUA to conduct flushing in Monterey Heights Service Area
Effort to address sporadic reports of discolored (but safe) water in the area;
Work will also serve as maintenance of the system’s water quality, flow, and pipe integrity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mike McGill
(910) 332-6704
After Hours: (910) 622-8472
Mike.McGill@cfpua.org
communications@cfpua.org
WILMINGTON, NC, May 2, 2016: Beginning today, and continuing on an as-needed basis for approximately one month, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) crews will be conducting flushing throughout the Monterey Heights service area where its water lines form dead ends. In recent weeks, CFPUA has received sporadic reports of discolored water in these locations due to changes in the direction of water flow. While the discolored water remains safe to drink, it can be a customer-comfort issue. The flushing work will address this aesthetic issue and provide maintenance of the system’s water quality, improve system flow, and protect pipe integrity. For more information about discolored water, visit CFPUA’s website at www.cfpua.org/documentcenter/view/8329.
The flushing will be conducted during the daytime hours to minimize customer impact. 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 1,100-plus 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.
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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.