The Georgetown Water Department (GWD) is conducting its semi-annual flushing program, which is performed every spring and fall. A consistent flushing program is part of our water system maintenance and is intended to help improve water quality and extend infrastructure lifecycle.
Water main flushing will begin on Monday, April 13th, and will continue each weekday through mid- May between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Flushing involves Water Department personnel operating fire hydrants to scour the inside wall of the pipes, thereby removing sediment and mineral buildup that occurs at low water velocities.
The first areas to be flushed will be on the western side of town near the water treatment plant. Major streets include Baldpate Road, Andover Street and West Street.
Each week, flushing will continue using the following sequence:
- the week of April 13th – Central Street/Nelson Street/Little Hill/Lake Shore Drive areas
- the week of April 20th – West Main St/East Main St/Elm St/Tenney St/Searle St areas
- the week of April 27th – North Street/Pond Street areas.
- the week of May 4th – Jewett Street/Thurlow Street areas.
- the week of May 11th – Jackman Street/Warren Street areas.
During water main flushing, you may temporarily experience a reduction in your water pressure. Once the flushing operation is concluded for the day, the pressure will return to normal levels. During and following flushing operations, you may experience dirty water in your home water system for a day or two. These impacts may affect streets a considerable distance away from the flushing hydrants. In the event that you have dirty water run the cold water at each faucet for several minutes before each use. By the end of the day, the water quality should return to pre-flushing operation conditions.
Domestic water service and fire protection will still be maintained during the flushing program.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience this required maintenance operation may cause.