ICE PIGGING PROGRAM PLAN
The Town of Scituate’s Water System Improvement plan consists of short and long-term solutions to both our water sources and distribution system and there are a number of improvement projects underway. This notice is to inform you of the start of the Ice Pigging program.
What is it? Ice pigging consists of using a controlled application of ice pellets in a watermain that has been temporarily removed from service to clean out material that has deposited over time. This material contributes to the discolored water you may have experienced.
When is this going to happen? Ice Pigging is scheduled to start on Thursday, October 3, 2019 and is expected to last until Thursday, October 24th. The water mains will be cleaned one section at a time until the work is complete. Our initial target area is Chief Justice Cushing Highway from the Driftway Rotary to Old Forge Road.
What should I expect?
Beginning Wednesday, 10/2 the Town will commence exercising the valves needed to isolate individual parts of the system. Customers in or near the affected area shown are likely to experience temporary discoloration of their water.
Beginning Thursday, 10/3 – Water service will be shut off for customers in the targeted areas for a minimum of 2-4 hours. It is recommended that you minimize turning on your water while we are in your area to avoid drawing discolored water into your home.
What do you need to do?
Once your water service has been restored on the day your street is being serviced, you will need to run an outside spigot or your tub with cold water only to clear any disturbed material that may have entered your service.
Ice Pigging Schedule
DATE Streets Affected
Thursday, October 3 Chief Justice Cushing Highway from Driftway Rotary to the Reservoir
Friday, October 4 Chief Justice Cushing Highway from the Reservoir to Old Forge Rd
ICE PIGGING
- Advance pipe cleaning technology
- Suez will be conducting the water main cleaning procedure beginning:
October 3, 2019
This procedure is an alternative to flushing mains, especially mains that might be causing issues with discolored water. Ice Pigging is a technique that is more effective than flushing in removing particles and sediments from pipe walls. An ice slurry is pumped through a section of main to “clean” it.
During the flushing Process, a small amount of sodium chloride (table salt) may enter your service line. Customers should avoid using water during the time of the main cleaning stated above and should run their taps for 2 to 3 minutes prior to using the water for drinking or cooking after the completion of the procedure. If a salty taste is detected, run your tap for a longer period of time. Generally, if you detect a cooler temperature of the water from your tap, you have sufficiently flushed out your service line. If the water becomes very cold, continue to run your tap for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
For Healthy individuals, the sodium intake from water is not important, because a much greater intake of sodium takes place from salt in the diet. However sodium levels above the recommended upper limit of 50 milligrams per liter may be a concern to individuals on sodium restricted diet, or those on dialysis.
If there are any further questions or concerns, please contact Sean Anderson at 781-545-8735.