The Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department’s system-wide flushing program that began on August 31, 2009 will continue through June 2010.

The flushing program helps remove minerals such as iron and manganese that have deposited inside water distribution system pipes over time. These minerals do not present a health risk, but when sudden water system demand occurs, the surge on the distribution system can result in water discoloration.

A comprehensive list of flushing dates and locations through June 2010 is below, along with maps of the schedule and locations. Upcoming locations will also be shown on ACTV Cable Channel 7 and sent in weekly updates through the Athens-Clarke County Twitter account (@accgov). The entire schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions.

The Public Utilities Department flushes the Water Distribution System by opening fire hydrant fixtures along the system and allowing large volumes of water to dislodge the mineral build-up. The system flushing began on August 31 and occurs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During the flushing process, customers should not notice any reduced water pressure, but may notice harmless water discoloration. It is recommended that customers check for water discoloration before using washing machines or other appliances that use water. Turning on a faucet for a short period of time should alleviate any discoloration and return the water to its normal coloration.

If the discoloration problem persists, customers should contact the Water Treatment Plant at 706-613-3481. For additional information, customers can contact the Public Utilities Department at 706-613-3470.

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