Montecito Water District Provides Important Information on “System Flushing”
(Montecito, California, January 24, 2018)
System flushing is a required step in the District’s water transmission system disinfection process. Flushing water mains during the disinfection process helps move water with high chlorine concentration through the system, and also helps to improve water quality by removing debris and sediment that may have entered the water mains during the mudflow incident. During the flushing process, Montecito residents / District customers are likely to see crews performing flushing operations at fire hydrants and at end of water main blow off valves in most neighborhoods. Flushed water will be discharged to nearby creeks, storm drains or on the street. Before being discharged, the water will be dechlorinated.
During the flushing process, you may also see discolored water at your tap. The flushing process increases flows in the water pipes, causing the suspension of debris, sediment, scaling deposits, etc. In the event some of the discolored water makes it to your faucets, you will need to flush your water system by turning on an outdoor faucet or opening the cold water faucet in your bathtub and running the water full force until the water runs clear. If your property has point-of-use water treatment systems such as reverse osmosis, water softeners, under-the-sink filtration, etc., follow manufacturer’s recommended procedures or contact your plumbing or water treatment professional regarding the super-chlorination and flushing process. If you are concerned about impacts to your point-of-use system, you should consider turning off or bypassing your in-home water treatment system until the boil water notice is lifted.
System flushing is anticipated to take place today, January 24th and may be intermittent through Saturday, January 27th.
Until water is fully restored, we ask that you keep your water use limited to essential use only in order to assist our disinfection and flushing processes. This includes minimizing outdoor irrigation during this period.
Please note that the Boil Water / High Chlorine Content Notice remains in effect for most of the Montecito Water District. In addition to indicating that water is non-potable, this notice informs the public about high chlorine content. It is important to be aware that the Montecito Water District is in the process of super-chlorinating its water system to properly disinfect pipes in preparation for lifting the Boil Water Notice, and additional information can be found on the District’s web site in the “Super Chlorination” update posted on January 23, 2018.
For water quality concerns, please call the District at (805) 969-2271.
Montecito Water District's mission is to provide an adequate and reliable supply of high quality water to the residents of Montecito and Summerland, at the most reasonable cost. In carrying out this mission, the District places particular emphasis on providing outstanding customer service, conducting its operations in an environmentally sensitive manner, and working cooperatively with other agencies. For additional information visit montecitowater.com, like Montecito Water District on Facebook, and follow on twitter @MontecitoWater.
