Conway Corporation will begin flushing the city’s water mains today. The process will begin on the west side of the city, roughly in the area south of Highway 64, west of Donaghey Avenue and north of Dave Ward Drive. This area will take four to six weeks to complete.
Utility crews typically flush the water distribution system once a year to remove sediment and improve drinking water quality. When flushing, fire hydrants are opened, increasing the velocity of water moving through the pipes. Flushing removes sediments that may affect the water’s taste and color and is an essential preventive maintenance strategy for the water distribution system.
According to Water Systems Manager David Bradley, while a loss of water pressure is common, the process doesn’t typically interrupt water service. After flushing, tap water may appear “brownish.”
“Let your tap run for several minutes until the water released is clear,” Bradley said. “The colored water is unsightly, but still safe for consumption.”
