MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 30, 2004

CITY OF FREDERICK FIRE HYDRANT FLUSHING PROCEDURES

Frederick, Md. --- Please be advised that once a year the City of Frederick’s Department of Public Works flushes fire hydrants to clear the sediment from the City’s water mains. The process is necessary to scour sediment that has collected on the walls of the pipes. The sediment is caused by numerous agents including tiny suspended solids in the water settling, flaking of the pipe walls, and normal degradation of the piping system. This sediment causes areas for bacterial growth, water discoloration and “off odors”. Scouring occurs when the hydrant caps are opened allowing full water flow through. The velocity of the water acts as an abrasive to remove the sediment. This routine needs to be done yearly to maintain water quality and extend pipe life.

During the flushing procedures, water may appear cloudy or slightly discolored for a short period of time. Lines will be flushed according to the following schedule:

SECTION (1) - MONDAY, MAY 3, 2004
Seventh Street northward, including Fredericktown
Village, Spring Valley, Amber Meadows, and Route 40 West.

SECTION (2) - TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2004
East and West Patrick Street to Baughman’s Lane and
everything northward to Seventh Street. Also included in this area will be Old Farm, Whittier, Shookstown Road, and Route 40 West.

SECTION (3) - WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2004
East and West Patrick Street and everything southward
to the Route 15 interchange. Also included in this area will be Route 40 West.

Hydrant flushing will take place in the evenings in an attempt to avoid the hours when water usage is the highest.

For additional information please contact the City of Frederick’s department of Public Works at 301-600-1169.