Essential Water (NSW) will help maintain a safe water supply for Broken Hill through flushing out water main reticulation systems.
Manager water operations, Guy Chick, said the flushing would ensure that there was sufficient chlorine in the water to provide the appropriate levels of disinfection for the supply to Essential Water’s customers.
“Water from the end point of a main is discharged through a hydrant, drawing built up silt and low chlorinated water out of the system,” Mr Chick said.
“Flushing of the mains occurs until safe chlorine readings are registered.”
This process is also conducted after failed water mains have been repaired to remove any air or sediment which may have entered the mains during the repair process and to disinfect that section of main.
Mr Chick said the flushing of water mains during periods of water restrictions often generated community comment and advice.
“While suggestions of doing away with flushing or capturing the discharged water in tankers for other uses are well intentioned, the flushing process used is critical for ensuring the main is left with safe, compliant water,” Mr Chick said.
The method and duration of flushing ensures adequate chlorine levels and safety parameters are maintained.
“Summer months lead to increased activity in mains flushing as water operators monitor chlorine readings in the water network throughout the city,” Mr Chick said.
