Attention Sellersburg Water Customers:
Over the next couple of weeks, Sellersburg Water Crews will be working throughout the water system doing targeted hydrant flushing. The plan is to start working through the Jeffersonville service area the week of 4/15/24 and onto the Sellersburg service area the week of 4/22/24. This will not be a complete flush of the system, instead flushing non-looped, or “dead-end” areas of the system. “Dead-end” areas of the water system where they do not have continuous flows resulting in mineral build up within the water main. Flushing these dead-end areas will ensure proper water quality supplied to these areas.
As part of regular maintenance of the water distribution system, Sellersburg Water flushes the watermains using the fire hydrant system. This is an essential part of our system maintenance program. Although a regular part of our water distribution system, we do receive questions from time to time about why we flush. Because hydrant flushing is an important benefit, we’d like to tell you about it.
WHY FLUSHING IS IMPORTANT
Flushing our system helps to clean out any buildup of mineral deposits and sediment inside the pipes. These deposits can occur when there is a reduced water demand. We also flush our hydrants to confirm they are operational and to check fire flows in our system.
HOW WE FLUSH OUR PIPELINES
Flushing involves simultaneously opening fire hydrants in a specific area to create increased water flows. When our crews are on your street or nearby, this process usually takes about one hour.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When crews are in your area, you may notice a drop in water pressure or discolored water. Discolored water may occur, because the sediment in water mains get stirred up when the fire hydrants are used and when the flow of water in mains is changed. This is normal. If this happens, it is not harmful. Simply let your water run until it is clear.
WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE FOR FLUSHING
- Draw water for cooking ahead of time.
- Store a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
- Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.
ADDITIONAL CUSTOMER TIPS
- Avoid running your tap water and using the washing machine or dishwasher while crews are flushing in your area.
- If discolored water occurs, simply run the cold water for a few minutes until it clear. This will allow the sediment to work its way through your pipes.
- Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap before doing laundry or running the dishwasher. NOTE: If your laundry becomes stained, DO NOT PUT YOUR LAUNDRY IN THE DRYER. Rewash clothes immediately using detergent and add a rust remover. Most rust removers can also be used on stained fixtures.
In some cases, slight discoloration might linger for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water and does not affect water quality. No health hazards are associated with discolored water from hydrant flushing. If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Sellersburg Billing Office at (812)246-3821 ext 1.