Water Main Flushing Started

The following was submitted by the Town of Reading’s Department of Public Works:

Starting April 15, 2013 the Department of Public Works, Water Division, will be performing water main flushing in the southern section of town starting at the Stoneham town line working northwesterly in the area between West Street and the railroad tracks to the Wilmington town line, then continuing northeasterly from the Wakefield town line to Charles and Haverhill Streets.

This area is expected to be completed on May 16, 2013. Notices will be delivered to property owners just prior to the day flushing will begin in each area.

This is being done to improve water quality, improve fire flows, and inspect and test the many fire hydrants throughout the town. The water main cleaning and flushing is accomplished by opening and flowing water from hydrants.

Flushing will begin at 11:00 P.M. and end at approximately 6:00 A.M. each day. This will cause a discoloration in the water – DO NOT DRAW WATER DURING THE HOURS WHEN CREWS ARE FLUSHING MAINS IN YOUR AREA.

It is expected that the water will clear up in approximately 48 hours.

DPW crews recommend that users do not wash clothes within the 48 hour period, or until the water has cleared up. Please be assured that the water is safe to drink, even if there is some discoloration. You may want to draw some water for drinking, prior to the flushing of the mains in your area.

A notice will be delivered to water users in the affected areas prior to any flushing.

The town regrets any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your cooperation in this effort as it will improve the water quality and improve fire flow capabilities.

If you have any questions, please contact the Water Supervisor, Mr. James Richardson, at (781) 942-9092 (until 3:00 P.M.) or the Public Works Administration Office at (781) 942-9077.