Water District Flushing Hydrants in Dublin Today

From the Dublin San Ramon Services District

The Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) began flushing its water delivery system on the west side of Dublin today in order to maintain the integrity of the system and ensure the quality of water provided to customers.

Over time, scale and natural sediments build up in water pipelines. If untreated, these conditions affect water quality and make it difficult to shut down pipelines during maintenance or in emergencies.

“To maintain a healthy water system, the District annually flushes one quarter of its hydrants and exercises water valves in accordance with state regulations,” said Field Operations Supervisor Jim Dryden. “Exercising valves” entails opening and closing valves that are located in the middle of the street. The valves control the flow of water through the pipelines.”

While the water operators are flushing the water system, customers in the immediate area may experience low pressure for approximately 15-30 minutes. Although it may look like water is being wasted, flushing is necessary to properly maintain the water system and is required by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Water operators flush the pipes at an average flow rate of more than 700 gallons per minute. This process is especially important where pipes dead-end, such as on cul-de-sacs. There are more than 475 dead ends in the District’s water system, and all of them are flushed annually. Flushing the pipes take about five to 15 minutes per stop.

DSRSD water operators spent the last two months flushing all the dead ends in the Dougherty Valley and eastern Dublin portions of the water system. From now until the end of the year, two crews will be flushing the system on the west side of Dublin. Details of when and where they will be working are posted online at www.dsrsd.com/wwrw/hydrantflush.html.