Water Main Flushing Alert – Spring 2021

The Town will begin the annual flushing program of the water mains on Monday, March 8, 2021. This is typically done with any municipal water system to remove any sediment that may build up in the pipe. The Town opens hydrants along the water line, stirring up the sediment in the pipe which is then removed from the system through hydrants located at the limits of the flushing area. This is done to prevent the sediment from being stirred up in the water lines during a fire, high demand time of year or a broken water line. Most of the sediment is removed from the pipes but some does escape into the system which causes the discoloration of water.

The water system is a closed system and sediment can spread throughout the system until it is flushed. Removing discolored water from your residence begins by allowing water to flush from an outdoor spigot. This will prevent sediment from entering fixtures in the residence. It is also why Border Street can experience brown water from a hydrant that is opened on Front Street. The sediment travels through the system until it can escape. The entire water system is controlled by pressure and elevation.

Where does the brown water come from? The major cause of the discolored water is old unlined water pipes that can react with the minerals naturally occurring in water. In the past the Town has been unable to have a flushing program because these pre-1935 pipes would break from the pressure of the program and lack of water in our reservoir. The Town is heavily dependent on ground water wells as a source of drinking water which can also be rich in minerals and contribute to the brown water. These minerals consist of iron or manganese.

The flushing program will cause discolored water in varying degrees in all sections of town. Our program this year will target all areas in an effort to address the discoloration issues we have been experiencing for the past few months. Information will be updated and posted on the Town of Scituate Water Division page weekly with a listing of the areas/streets where flushing will take place. Signs will be placed in the areas to be flushed at least one day prior to the start of flushing. Flushing will occur between the hours of 8:00AM and 3:30PM but may be extended as needed. We will make every effort to adhere to the schedules as posted, but may experience deviations due to unforeseen issues, weather and adequate water supply.

Schedule for the week of March 8:

• Country Way – First Parish to Cohasset.
• Mann Lot Road
• Booth Hill Road
• Hollett Street
• Gannett Road
• Indian Trail
• Mordecai Lincoln Road
• Henry Turner Bailey

Smaller streets fed off of above list will be flushed also.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue our work to improve and maintain our water supply.