Foster City Citywide Water Main Flushing to Begin September 21, 2020
For Immediate Release: September 21, 2020
Contact: Allen Smith, Public Works Maintenance Manager, (650) 286-8140, asmith@fostercity.org
The City of Foster City will be performing its hydrant flushing program beginning Monday, September 21, 2020. The flushing will occur during normal business hours Monday to Friday. The City anticipates it will take less than two months to complete flushing activities. Physical notices will be provided to residents when the City’s Public Works Department is performing water main flushing in each specific neighborhood.
The water main flushing program is performed as part of a scheduled preventative maintenance program to ensure that the high water quality requirements meet public health standards. The program serves two important functions: First, it reduces the mineral and sediment build-up in the water mains that has accumulated inside the pipes over time while improving chlorine residual requirements; secondly, it allows staff to inspect and make repairs as needed to ensure proper operation of the City’s fire hydrants, valves, and water services. The flushing activities will be performed in accordance with state guidelines and as permitted under the State Water Resources Control Board.
The Public Works Department advises you to check the water clarity before use, by running cold water briefly to clear your residential lines. During flushing activities, you may experience some discolored or cloudy water. This is temporary and not a health hazard. The City encourages customers to refrain from washing laundry and drawing water while flushing activities are performed in your neighborhood to minimize pulling discolored water into your service lines. It is suggested that after the flushing in your neighborhood is complete that you run your front hose bibb (outside faucet) for about 5 minutes or until the water runs clear.
Under normal water supply conditions, the entire water distribution system is flushed annually. However, during the recent droughts, the program had been reduced to every second or third year since 2012. The last flushing was completed in 2016. Due to this year’s average precipitation, the City will be resuming its citywide water main flushing program.
The City of Foster City Public Works Department apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your support in the City’s ongoing efforts to supply our customers with clean safe drinking water. For more information about the flushing program, contact the Public Works Maintenance Division at (650) 286-8140 or e-mail water@fostercity.org.
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