Please note that no flushing activities
will occur on weekends or holidays.

System-Wide Water Quality
Improvement Program

Melbourne’s water distribution system includes approximately 2,100 miles of piping which provides water to more than 150,000 customers. Various locations in the City’s system have been experiencing discolored water.

To help control these problems, the City is undertaking a system-wide, $1 million unidirectional flushing (UDF) program. The system has been divided into 340 flushing zones. After all valves and hydrants have been located and operated, the program will systematically flush the entire system and is expected to be completed by February 2009.

This involves using clean water to flush the system using strong water velocities in one direction. The flushing will scour the lines completely of any deposits and debris that may be in the lines. The water that is flushed is dechlorinated so that it can be sent into the stormwater system without any negative environmental impacts.

The system-wide flushing began in late February 2008 and as of May 31st, flushing had been completed in a total of 66 zones. Another 47 zones are scheduled to be completed by the middle of July. Sampling results from the areas flushed indicate an overall improvement in water quality.

Wachs Utility Services has been hired as the City’s contractor for the program. Residents are notified by a mailing approximately two weeks in advance of when flushing will take place in their area. As a reminder, signs are placed at entry and exit points of the neighborhood a few days prior to flushing.

Each flushing event takes about 15 to 30 minutes to conduct. You may notice reduced water pressure and discolored water during the flushing in your immediate vicinity, and for approximately one to two hours afterwards as they finish the other sequences in your area. The water is bacteriologically safe. However, we recommend that it not be used during the flushing period for consumptive uses, bathing, or washing clothes because it may be discolored.

For more information and weekly updates on locations where the flushing is planned, check online for a “Flushing Program Update,” or call the City hotline at (321) 674-5726, ext. 203.

Wachs Utility Service trucks
will be seen throughout the
water service area as they
test control valves.