Standard Operating Procedure – Residential Flushing
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Residential Flushing Response Plan is to minimize the impact of discolored water on residents’ daily household operations and to provide a clear process for restoring water clarity as quickly as possible.
2. Scope
Most discolored water complaints are isolated incidents, meaning surrounding properties are often not experiencing the same issue. Discolored water is typically caused by the release of manganese that has accumulated in the distribution system. This release may result from construction on or near water mains, water main breaks, increased velocity in water lines, or increased temperatures. Promptly resolving these issues for the customer is our highest priority.
3. Manganese Information
The City of Forsyth owns and operates approximately 50 miles of water distribution line. Operation and maintenance of the water infrastructure is contracted to H2O Innovation, Inc.
Manganese is a naturally occurring element found in air, soil, water, and food. It is an essential nutrient for both humans and animals. Adverse health effects may result from either inadequate intake or overexposure.
Manganese is classified by the EPA/EPD as a secondary contaminant, meaning that typical concentrations found in drinking water do not generally pose an adverse health risk.
The City of Forsyth’s average annual manganese concentration in drinking water is 0.03 mg/L. The EPA has established a recommended maximum contaminant level of 0.05 mg/L. This level is not enforceable and is intended primarily to help prevent discoloration in drinking water.
The City of Forsyth and H2O Innovation do not recommend drinking discolored water. Follow this standard operating procedure to clear your drinking water before resuming normal consumption. If this procedure does not resolve the issue, contact the Water Department at 478-994-3423.
4. Procedure
- Flush outside faucets first.
Use a white container to monitor the water and determine when it runs clear. Turn off each outside faucet once the water clears. This step may take up to 20 minutes or longer, depending on the length of your service line. - Flush indoor cold-water faucets.
Begin with cold-water faucets that do not have screens or diffusers, such as a bathtub faucet. Run the water until it is clear, using a white container to confirm. - Flush all remaining cold-water faucets.
Continue flushing each cold-water faucet until the water runs clear. - Flush toilets.
Flush toilets until the water in the bowl appears clear. - Flush hot water if needed.
If an unscreened hot-water faucet is available, run it until the water clears. Use a white container to verify clarity.
5. Reporting / Notification
If you have any questions, or if the above procedure does not eliminate the discolored water, contact the Water Department at 478-994-3423 and a technician will assist you.