HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.09attachment City ofOshkosh
New Flushing Technique
to Clean Water Mains
Why flush water mains?
»Improve water quality
–Help reduce taste & odor
–Help reduce lead & copper
–Maintain disinfectant levels
»Improve carrying capacity of pipes
»Benefit water system operation
We strive to provide continuous
service to our customers and
work diligently to minimize any
inconvenience to you.
If you have concerns or questions,
please contact us at (920) 232-5336.
The City of Oshkosh’s (City’s) water system includes over 300 miles
of water mains that are periodically flushed to maintain clean
pipes and improve water quality. In October, the City will
pilot a flushing process called unidirectional flushing or UDF.
Compared to the City’s conventional flushing practices, UDF
uses lower volumes of water flowing at higher velocities in a
single direction to remove sediments that may be in piping.
As a result, system piping gets cleaner, water quality is
improved, and less water is used for flushing.
The City is using its computerized hydraulic model of
the water system to design UDF zones and sequences to
open and close specific valves and fire hydrants to get the
best results. UDF will be piloted in a limited number of
neighborhoods. Residents and customers located in UDF flush
zones will be notified by mail a few weeks before flushing
takes place on their street. In addition, notification signs will be
placed in the street or neighborhood by City crews the morning
of the UDF flushing as a reminder. Flushing typically occurs
Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Please be
aware there is no way to determine the exact date/time we will be
on your street. Flushing maps and information about our progress
will be posted to the City’s website at ci.oshkosh.wi.us listed under
“Hot Topics”in the middle of the page.
Each flushing sequence depends on a variety of pipeline factors
and will vary in duration. Please be aware that during flushing
customers may notice temporary low water pressure and water may
be discolored. Your pressure will return to normal once flushing has
ended. To minimize the amount of discolored water entering your
home, we advise you not to use water during flushing operations.
If you notice discolored water in your home, upon completion
of flushing, please run water from all cold water sources (sinks,
showers, bathtubs, etc.) until the water returns to being clear.
Thank you for your cooperation during water main flushing
and all water system maintenance activities. We appreciate
your support as we carry out our commitment to continuous
improvement in the delivery of water services.
September 2020