PARKERSBURG - The water division of the Parkersburg Utility Board will flush water lines in the city and surrounding service areas beginning 11 p.m. Friday, the board said on Wednesday.
Lines will be flushed around the clock until the work is completed, estimated around 3 a.m. Sunday.
Flushing will begin on 19th Street and moving northward on Dudley Avenue, and westerly to the Ohio River. Simultaneously, a second crew will begin flushing on 19th Street moving east of Dudley Avenue and south toward the Little Kanawha River by 11 a.m. Saturday.
Relief crews should start in the area of City Park and move across the Little Kanawha River to South Parkersburg. Work will continue moving south toward Pettyville.
Flushing prevents and removes the build up of iron and manganese oxides while crews also inspect the operation of fire hydrants in the water distribution system, Parkersburg Utility Board, Manager Eric Bennett said.
"Water line flushing helps to maintain the quality of water provided to the customers of Parkersburg's water system," he said.
Residents may experience a temporary discoloration of water, he said.
"It is likely that some brown-colored water will enter house connections if water is used at the same time that the flushing is being done in the area", said Bennett.
Laundry should not be done during flushing. Stained laundry should not be dried, rather, it should be rewashed with a product formulated for iron stain removal such as Iron Out or Red Out, Bennett said.
For discolored water, turn on the cold water and allow it to run until the water clears. Do not use hot water until the water is running clear.
