Community Stuff 10/21/13

Water Compliance Office
50 Essex Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
TEL (978)281-9792
FAX(978)281-9724
CITY OF GLOUCESTER
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
WATER COMPLIANCE OFFICE
NOTICE TO OUR WATER CUSTOMERS- OCTOBER 18, 2013
WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Gloucester DPW will begin filling the Plum Cove Water Storage Tank in Lanesville midday Wednesday October 23, 2013, then sample it for water quality, and bring the tank into service the following week. During the tank filling Lanesville and Annisquam residents may temporarily experience pressure fluctuations and discolored water. The DPW is currently having the Blackburn Water Tank painted and anticipates bring that tank back into service in early November.
The DPW switched the distribution system disinfectant from chloramine to chlorine on October 7, 2013, when the West Gloucester Water Treatment Plant was brought into operation. Customers may notice a slight chlorine odor. The switch was made to aid in bringing these water storage tanks back into operation most effectively. The DPW anticipates switching the distribution system disinfectant back from chlorine to chloramines in November 2013 after the Blackburn Tank painting, filling, and sampling.
Also the DPW is currently approximately half way through routine fall water distribution piping flushing program fully across the entire city. Flushing 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 are experiencing “rusty” water.
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.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Larry Durkin,