By Leigh C. Merrifield
As a courtesy to Shinnston water customers, Shinnston’s City Manager is posting the following schedule for Hydrant & Blow-Off Flushings that will be taking place soon, beginning the end of April and ending the end of May. This is a routine maintenance process where fire hydrants are opened to allow water to flow through pipes at high velocity, which cleans the water distribution system, removing sediment and buildup of mineral deposits, thus ensuring adequate fire flow pressure. This verifies that hydrants are fully operational for firefighting and helps to confirm that there is adequate water pressure for any emergency responses.
Mrs. Drainer explained that this process may cause your water to be temporarily discolored and perhaps lower water pressure for a brief time. “Please don’t be alarmed if your water seems cloudy or brownish after flushing in your area has been done; this is common. However, it is advisable that you flush your lines on the inside of your residence to get rid of any dirt or discoloration that may get stirred up … and wait for this to disappear before using your washing machine or dishwasher.” She added, “Also run cold water through an outside faucet and even your bathtub for a few minutes until it clears as well. Avoid using hot water until your water is clear.”
Below is a list of the dates for the areas to be flushed:
• Week 1 (4/27-5/1) MC Trinity Church, Industrial Park, Manual Drive area, Parkview and Valley View, Worthington area through Rt. 19 to Tetrick Road. Entire area of Enterprise through Landing Way.
• Week 2 (5/4-5/8) All of East Shinnston area, Bethlehem, all of Owings area, Owings Hill and Owings Hollow.
• Week 3 (5/11-5/15) All of West Side and Drain Hill, all of downtown and High Street, and all of Saltwell Road.
• Week 4 (5/18-5/22) All of Pleasant Hill area, Morris Street, Park Street, Van Rufus, Duffy, and Oakwood, and Rt. 19 leading up to Haywood, including all of Haywood Road.
• Week 5 (5/25-5/27) All of Gypsy and Gypsy Hollow.
