Chaffee will flush fire hydrants Monday

Chaffee, Missouri, residents may see less sediment stirred up in their water than usual after the city's biannual fire hydrant flush.

Beginning Monday, the two-day process will remove mineral sediment built up in pipes, improve water quality and maintain valves and hydrants within the city.

City administrator Lee Horton said that in the past, there have been issues with discoloration in the water, but since the city recently upgraded its lines, it shouldn't be too disruptive.

In March 2011, the city began its water-system project and switched from its old system to the new one in June.

"We turned off the old water main three weeks ago, so now we have completely shut down the old system," Horton said.

Because the pipes all are relatively new, Horton said he believed there wouldn't be much sediment in the lines, but some could be flushed from where city and residential lines connect.

Flushing remains important to check fire hydrants and ensure they are working properly.

The $6.2 million water-system project provided cleaner water to 1,136 customers via new water lines, additional fire hydrants and new meters for each home in Chaffee.

Horton said he didn't know the schedule for Monday's flush, but city employees most likely would begin on one end of town and work their way across.

"Residents shouldn't have to do anything," Horton said. "There might be a slight drop in water pressure [during the flush], but you can't really notice unless you're in the shower or something.

"[Residents should] just run the water until it's clean," he said. "It may be discolored, but it's still safe to drink, but I wouldn't advise it."

For more information about the hydrant flushing, call city hall at 573-887-3558.

smaue@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

Chaffee, Mo.