![]() If we open a hydrant, it may seem like a lot of water, but we don’t flush every hydrant in that neighborhood," said Mike Hopkins, executive director of the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority. "We have 535 miles of pipe in our system. However, since the water system is tied together, one hydrant will draw water from a large surrounding area, which is also why the hydrant must be allowed to run for a while. Sediment tends to accumulate in these sections, as evidenced by the brown-colored water that initially flows from these hydrants. Normally, only the hydrants at the end of water lines are flushed, particularly those located in low-lying areas. These naturally occurring compounds are the result of plant and animal material that seeps into the water source through runoff.Īs the water remained in the pipes longer, this chemical reaction took place more frequently, which led to higher haloacetic acid levels and the EPD violation. Haloacetic acid and other potentially dangerous chemicals form over time when chlorine, which is used to kill bacteria in raw water, combines with carbon and nitrogen compounds in the water. These vendors, cities or water authorities, would routinely flush out their system of water pipes to remove any stagnant water in average years, said former water resources director Karl Kelley in February. ![]() One reason for the high levels was water vendors choice not to flush out water lines, in order to preserve water during the drought. 20, because there was too much haloacetic acid in the water. Newton County Water Resources, the governmental body that produces and sells water from Lake Varner, received a violation from the Environmental Protection Division on Jan. Keeping pipes clear of fine particulate debris, which can eventually clog pipes, and preventing the creation of potentially harmful chemical by-products are both achieved by regularly flushing out pipes. The simple answer is safety, said Sumner. When he saw what looked like a small stream flowing by his house and a Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority employee monitoring an open hydrant nearby, he had one question: "Why? Why was the man releasing so much water?" Del Sumner and his fellow water inspectors are again opening fire hydrants and flushing out water lines, at times releasing tens of thousands of gallons into yards and streets.īut Covington resident Scott Eavenson still remembers Georgia’s drought and the watering restrictions that followed it.
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