Gloucester DPW crews have been doing water system piping flushing work recently associated with ongoing construction projects and will begin tonight seasonal fall flushing starting in Lanesville, Annisquam, and East Gloucester that will continue Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. This winter and spring were usually dry which prevented our normal system wide spring flushing. After the Thanksgiving Holiday night flushing will commence again and in other areas of the city.
This fall flushing program may cause a change in the direction of flow in some water mains and may cause temporary discoloration of the water as iron particles in the pipe are stirred up. If you should experience “rusty” water, running a cold water tap for a few minutes will clear your line. We also recommend that you avoid the use of chlorine bleach during this time period to prevent staining of laundry.
If you experience persistent water quality problems, please contact the DPW at 978-281-9785 or the Office of Water Compliance at 978-281-9792, so that selective flushing can be targeted to problem areas.
The DPW has been operating at the West Gloucester Water Treatment Plant since September and anticipates switching back to the Babson Water Treatment sometime from mid December to early January. More information will be provided ahead of that switch over.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Larry Durkin
Environmental Engineer