Public Works
|
|
||||
|
Public Works |
|
||||
|
city government news & events about apple valley employment resources |
Departments > Public Works > Utilities > Water Production | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Water Production Produce and treat all potable water supplied to the distribution system; including sampling, testing, and chemical control. Maintain the water treatment facility, wells, and related equipment. Heavy snowfalls, trash and weeds can make it difficult for firefighters to locate some of the more than 2,230 fire hydrants in our City. To help keep fire hydrants clear, the Fire Department has established an 'Adopt-A-Hydrant" program. Residents who participate agree to keep one or more hydrants clear of snow, trash or weeds. To learn how you can participate, call City Hall, (952) 953-2500.
Hydrant Flushing and Discolored Water Apple Valley's water supply contains .5 to .7 parts per million (ppm) iron. Ideal quality water contains less than .05 PPM iron. When iron comes in contact with oxygen and chlorine it oxidizes forming a rust colored participate. The rust colored water you see is caused by this iron, not from pipes rusting. The major concern with rusty water is that it will stain clothing when washed. Although the discolored water is not aesthetically pleasing and may have a strong mineral taste, it is safe to drink. We recommend placing a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drinking when water is rusty. The iron will settle to the bottom of the pitcher leaving clear water to drink. The water treatment plant is removing the iron from the water being pumped into the water distribution system. Water being pumped from the water treatment plant contains less than .02 PPM iron. For over twenty years, prior to the water treatment plant, water containing iron was pumped into the distribution system causing a significant buildup of iron. The major problem we have with rusty water is due to the iron residue, which has coated the inside of water mains and settled to the bottom of our larger trunk mains. It will take several years to remove all the iron from the system. Hydrant flushing allows the Utilities Division to purge rusty water from the distribution system. Hydrants are flushed on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year, as weather and water demand allows. In the spring and fall, a complete flushing of all hydrants is conducted. During flushing, it is inevitable that some residents will receive rusty water, which could stain laundry. Residents are asked to please check the quality of the water before doing laundry during times when hydrants are flushed. Questions regarding water quality should be directed to the Utilities Division at (952) 953-2400.
Content updated on: 03-Jan-2008
|
|
