PARKERSBURG – The Parkersburg Utility Board, Water Division, will flush water lines in the city and surrounding service areas beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, according to a release from the Parkersburg Utility Board.

“Flushing of the water lines is done to remove the buildup of iron and manganese oxides from the lines and to inspect the operation of the 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.”

Some residents may experience a temporary discoloration of their water while the work is taking place.

“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,” Bennett said.

It is recommended that laundry not be done when water line flushing is being done in the area, the release said. If laundry becomes stained, it should not be dried. Instead, it should be rewashed with a product formulated for iron stain removal such as Iron Out or Red Out, the release added.

If people experience discolored water, they need to turn on the cold water and allow it to run until the water clears. It is recommended people don’t use their hot water until you are satisfied the water is running clear.

Flushing will take place starting at 10 p.m. Friday and will continue around-the-clock until the work is completed, approximately 3 a.m. Sunday.

Flushing will begin on 19th Street and move north on Dudley Avenue, and west 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 morning 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.

Those with questions should call 304-424-8535.