Water Line Flushing

When will flushing be done in my neighborhood?

Our flushing schedule is as follows:
Sunday, May 11, 2008 through Friday May 16, 2008 from 9:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m., completing Friday the 16th at 6:00 a.m. Your water service should not be interrupted. If you notice that your water appears discolored in any manner we recommended that you allow several hours for it to clear up. After time has elapsed, run the cold water faucet for a few minutes to see if your water is clear again.

Customers are asked to shut off their gate valve at their water meter from 9:00 PM until 6:00 AM

Each spring Somerset Borough begins its comprehensive unidirectional flushing program throughout the Borough. We have been conducting the annual flushing program since 1982. Our goal is to ensure that water quality is maintained at optimal levels. This is done by properly maintaining the Borough’s water distribution system. The flushing process is when water is moved through a water line at a high velocity so that a scouring action is created. The water is discharged through a fire hydrant. This removes any material build-up in the water line. The entire flushing process is critical to the maintenance of water quality to our water system.

The water main lines are sized to allow safe and adequate fire protection flows. The water is moving at a low rate through the water lines. Mineral deposits build up and accumulate in these lines over time, which can restrict water flow. These deposits can contribute to water quality problems and corrosion. Periodic flushing of lines removes these deposits, helping to maintain the Borough's infrastructure, assuring consistent high-quality water.

No, flushing is not a waste of water! The amount of water used during flushing procedures and the cost of water associated in this process is a small price to pay compared to the benefits. Two main benefits are water quality and distribution system maintenance.

You may not even notice the flushing process taking place in your neighborhood, especially with the hours it is done. Hydrants will be selected in the Borough to be opened for water line flushing. While these hydrants are open, any homes on that block may experience a drop in water pressure or discolored water. If you lose water pressure completely, please call 445-6256 after 6:00 p.m.; after 8:00 a.m. call 443-2661.

If you see a reddish, yellow, or brown tint to your water you should not be alarmed. We recommend you do not use the water or do any laundry for about two hours. Once this time is up, run your faucets for a few minutes to make sure the water is clear. At this time you may resume normal water usage. If the water does not clear up within a few hours, please call the Borough Water Office at 443-2661.