GRANTS PASS – City of Grants Pass water distribution staff will begin the process of unidirectional water flushing Monday, June 8. Unidirectional flushing opens specific pipes in the city’s water distribution system to flush water through the pipes in a single direction in order to clean the insides of the pipes.
The process is expected to continue throughout the summer as city staff moves from section to section of the city to complete the work along 188 miles of piping. Staff will open specific pipes to flush the water in one direction. This increases the speed and force of the water which helps scrub the pipes. The water is tested during the flush until it meets clear water standards, releasing thousands of gallons of water into the surrounding streets.
Flushing in each neighborhood can take between 10 minutes and more than four hours, depending on the area and number of fire hydrants located there. Some hydrants may get flushed twice, so staff may leave an area and come back later to flush them again.
During the flushing, residents in the area will experience lowered water pressure. Water may become discolored for a temporary length of time, and city staff recommends residents use bottled water or other liquids during the flushing. Residents are also cautioned to avoid running tap water, or appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and automatic ice machines until the flushing process is completed.
Residents should also avoid driving through the water being flushed if possible and slow down for safety. Water can be deeper than it appears and is not safe to drive through at full speed.
After flushing has been completed in an area, residents should turn on cold water faucets and spigots until the water runs clear. In order to avoid drawing any sediment into their hot water heaters, residents should not use their hot water tap until their water is running clear.
Information about which neighborhoods will be scheduled for flushing will be available through the city’s social media platforms and the city’s website at: www.grantspassoregon.gov/1366/2020-Water-Main-Flushing.
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