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Flushing program starts in M.L. next week

Jun 1, 2018 | 10:00 AM

Residents on the east side of Meadow Lake will have to keep a close eye on their water usage next week.

The City of Meadow Lake is removing sediments and other buildups from the water lines in the city, including out of fire hydrants. The work is completed annually, but the crews will be using a new approach this year, according to City Clerk Jessica Walters.

“It overall improves the colour and water flow quality,” she said. “Unidirectional flushing is a little bit new for us this year; that’s where you close specific valves to get all the water flowing one way. It’s higher pressure, so it does a better job and it’s also more efficient as it uses less water.”

She said the goal is to do all streets starting at Centre St. and heading east next week. There will be maps up on the city’s website and social media pages, she said, which will be updated every night after each section is completed to announce the next day’s work. The city will work to keep residents as informed as much possible, but she said there a few things people can do to make things easier on themselves.

“Because we’re cleaning all this debris out of the water lines, it loosens it up off the sides,” Walters said. “We’re advising people if they’re in the area on the map for the day, be aware that at some point flushing will be done. If you have to run water, we recommend opening a cold water tap first to see what it is doing so the debris doesn’t go in hot water tanks.”

She said it is safer to do things like laundry and showering before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. each day to avoid issues. In addition, a second potable drinking water tank will be available at the Aquatic Centre.

If any residents see water colouration issues after the flushing is complete next week, Walters said they should contact City Hall immediately.

The west side of the city is currently slated to have the flushing done the week of June 25.

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath