Water Flushing Program

Water Flushing Program

• In our business a flush beats a full house any day.

What is unidirectional Flushing?

• A pre-planned, high velocity movement of

water through the distribution system

• Aid in cleaning mains and keeping within

regulatory compliance.

5 Learning Objectives

• Explain the benefits of flushing a water

system

• Review the equipment needed

• Review the steps for setting up a flushing

program

• Explain data to be collected

• Review public notification

Benefits of Flushing

• Help Cl2 residuals

• Bio-film control

• Controls taste and

odor problems

• Cleans mains after

construction

• Exercises and tests

hydrants

Equipment needed

• Fire hose

• Brass hydrant fittings

• Gauges

• Hydrant wrench

• Diffuser

• Cl2 test kit

• Watch

• Traffic control cones

• Maps and log sheets

Hoses

• Different sizes

• Be sure to support

ends

Brass fittings and Gauge

Hydrant wrench

Traffic safety

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Diffuser

Flow gauge kits

Flow test kit

Flow test kit

De-chlorination

De-chlorination

De-chlorination

• Attaches to your

truck hitch.

• Only need to hook

up the hose.

• Flows can be

directed any

direction.

De-chlorination

• 1 Tablet is capable of neutralizing approx 8,500 gal of water with 1mg/L Chlorine.

• Meets EPA Clean Water Act

• 100% Soluble

• Last about 3-5 minute

• dechlor@pollardwater.com Approximate Cost $3-$5 each

mailto:dechlor@pollardwater.com

Chlorine test kit

• Color wheel type

• .2 – 3.0 PPM

Steps to establish a flushing program

• Review existing distribution system and maps

• Review system loop and velocity criteria

• Develop step by step procedure

• Check O&M of hydrants and valves

• Data collection

• Public notification

• Review procedure routinely

Distribution system mapping

• Collect all distribution mapping

• Review components of the system…PRV,

booster pump stations, pressure zones

• Chart flow directions

KNOW YOUR SYSTEM!

Divide into loops

• Complete within a work shift

• 1500’-2000’ flushing runs

• Review the valve locations

• Set target velocities;

• Must be at least 2-5 feet per second (FPS)

• Not more than 7-10 FPS

Step by step procedures

• Identify area to be flushed

• Flush from clean to dirty pipes

• Determine location of valves to close

• Determine which hydrant or blow-offs to use

• Keep simple (10-12 steps per loop)

• Use color coding of maps and steps

• Laminate maps if possible

Check O&M of valves and hydrants

• Locate valves

• Pre-check valve

risers

• Locate hydrants, do

they work?

• Check for possible

flooding

Data Collection

Type Observed

Seq Hyd or Address/ Time Time Total Static Dynamic Flow Rate Gallons Cap Color

# Valve Location Date Start Stop Min. PSI PSI GPM Used Code

Public Notification

• Newspaper

• Signs

• Telephone calls

• Newsletter

• Notice on bills

• Notify the board

• Notify employees

• Fire district

• Police

• Internet website

Review procedure

• Set up as yearly program

• Flush before problems occur

• Make changes if needed

Flushing side benefits

• Forces preventative maintenance

• Helps employees to know their distribution

system better

Systems which maintain their distribution system look and

perform better.

For Better…

…Or Worse!

4

5

7

8 11

10

12 13 14

1 2 3

6 9

H1

H2

H3

Direction

Of Flow

Storage

Tank or

Well

H4

Resource

Resource

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