As part of the Newport Water Division’s (NWD) ongoing water distribution system maintenance, a water main flushing program in designated areas will begin during evening hours starting Sunday, October 20, 2024, and ending November 7, 2024.
Flushing crews will begin at 8 p.m. to minimize impacts to our customers and continue until 4 a.m.
Hydrant Flushing is an essential part of the water system’s ongoing maintenance and has two critical functions: First, it verifies 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. Please note that the water used during flushing is doing important work, and while it may look wasteful, our flushing technique is efficient and necessary. NWD customizes the flushing procedures and sequencing each year to minimize the impacts and maximize 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 2024 FLUSHING SCHEDULE
The proposed flushing schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions.
WEEK 1 – October 20, 2024 – October 24, 2024
The following list of streets will be areas where hydrant flushing occurs during the week of October 20, 2024 starting on Sunday in Portsmouth moving south into Middletown and Newport.
Redwood Farms, Green Lane, Pasture Farm Drive, Oxbow Farm, Squantum Drive, Slate Hill Farm, Oliphant
Lane, Forest Avenue, Chases Lane, Woolsey Road, Berkeley Avenue, Turner Road, Aquidneck Avenue, Wood Road, Maple Avenue, Beacon Street, High Street, Boulevard, Miantonomi Avenue, Atlantic Drive, Continental Village, and Aquidneck Industrial Park.
WEEK 2 – October 27, 2024 – October 31, 2024
The following list of streets will be areas where hydrant flushing occurs during the week of October 27, 2024 starting on Sunday in Newport, heading south and in Middletown Easton’s Point heading west towards Memorial Boulevard.
Easton’s Point, The Point Section Newport, Warner St., Broadway, Kay Street, Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, and Historic Hill.
WEEK 3 – November 3, 2024 – November 7, 2024
The following list of streets will be areas where hydrant flushing occurs during the week of November 3, 2024 starting on Sunday continuing in Newport.
Memorial Boulevard, Bellevue Avenue, Thames Street, Spring Street, Wellington Avenue, Harrison Avenue, Coggeshall Avenue, Carol Avenue, Salve Regina University, and Ocean Drive.
*Additional flushing shall be performed during this week to complete areas if needed.
If you encounter discolored water following hydrant flushing, run the cold water taps throughout your home (bathroom sinks and tubs, kitchen faucets, etc.) for 5 to 10 minutes or until water clears. This allows discolored water to work its way out of your interior household plumbing. It is recommended that use of water be minimized during the hours of flushing. Please call 845-5600 for additional information.
