The City of Newport today announced that its water main flushing program in designated areas will begin during evening hours starting Sunday, October 29, 2023, and ending November 9, 2023, as part of the Newport Water Division’s (NWD) ongoing water distribution system maintenance,
To minimize impacts to our customers, the City says in a press release that flushing crews will begin at 8:00 p.m. and continue until 4:00 a.m.
Hydrant Flushing is an essential part of the ongoing maintenance of the water system, according to the City. Flushing has two critical functions. First, it is how we verify the system’s ability to support essential fire protection. Second, flushing purges the system of sediment and stagnant water. The high flows drive this stagnant water or sediment out of the pipes through the flushed hydrant during flushing. These sediments would build up without flushing, resulting in increased water quality issues, such as discolored water.
The water used during flushing is doing important work, and while it may look wasteful, the flushing technique we use is efficient and necessary. NWD customizes the flushing procedures and sequencing each year to minimize the impacts and maximizes efficiencies.
During the process, we operate valves and hydrants, ensuring they function correctly. We spot-check flow levels to ensure the system is performing to our expected standards. It’s an essential part of, and planned investment in, maintaining the health of our water system. Similar to how we brush our teeth every day.
Please be advised that the flushing process may result in temporary discoloration of your water, caused by small particles dislodged during flushing, as well as a possible reduction in water pressure. We recommend restricting water usage during the water main flushing period, particularly from doing laundry when water is discolored, and avoid running hot water.
Should you experience discolored or cloudy water, we recommend running the cold water taps until the water clears. The discoloration of your water will only be temporary and is not harmful. NWD spot checks the water throughout the process to ensure safety.
If the condition persists, or you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact NWD at (401) 845-5600. We appreciate your patience as we make every effort to deliver the highest quality water to our customers.
FALL 2023 FLUSHING SCHEDULE
The proposed flushing schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions.
WEEK 1 – October 29,2023 – November 2, 2023
The following list of streets will be areas where hydrant flushing occurs during the week of October 29, 2023, starting on Sunday in Portsmouth at the Lawton Valley Treatment Plant, progressing south into Middletown and Newport.
WEEK 2 – November 5, 2023 – November 9, 2023
The following list of streets will be areas where hydrant flushing occurs during the week of November 5, 2023, starting on Sunday in Middletown, and progressing south.
Jepson Ln., Island Dr., North Dr., Circle Dr., Coggeshall Cir., Coggeshall Way, Oliphant Ln., Meadow ln., Johnson Ter., Berkeley Ave., Wyndham Hill rd., Forest Ave., Bluegrass Dr., Honeyman Ave., Turner Rd., Aquidneck Ave., Goldenrod Rd., Continental Dr., John Clark Rd., Beacon St., Stockton Dr., Hillside Ave., Girard Ave., Admiral Kalbfus Rd., Bedlow Ave., Boulevard, Green End Ave., Vernon Ave., and Kay Blvd.
