Published in the September 27, 2018 edition

NORTH READING — The North Reading Water Department, as part of the maintenance of the water distribution system, started the annual fire hydrant flushing program on Monday, September 24. This program will continue until late in October.

Hydrant flushing is used to remove any fine iron or manganese sediment from the water mains in the streets. Iron and manganese are naturally occurring minerals found in the soils near the town’s water supply wells. As precipitation passes down through these solids, iron and manganese dissolve into the water. While the Water Department treats the well water specifically to remove iron and manganese, trace amounts of these minerals remain in the water leaving the town’s water treatment plants.

This remaining dissolved iron and manganese combine with oxygen in the water to form fine particles that settle out of the water in the water distribution system. Iron and manganese do not present health risks, but can cause a number of aesthetic problems, such as discolored water and staining of plumbing fixtures or laundry.

The fine particles of iron and manganese in the water mains can easily become re-suspended whenever there is a change in flow in the water system, such as during a fire or other periods of high water usage. By creating the high flow conditions through hydrant flushing, the Water Department attempts to remove the color-causing particles in a systematic manner.

The flushing program begins in the area of the water supply sources and moves progressively across the town, using areas that have already been cleaned to provide the water to areas yet to be flushed. Flushing will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, typically between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Residents and business owners are cautioned that they may experience discolored water during the hours of flushing in their area.

On the days when your street or neighborhood is being flushed it is recommended that prior to doing laundry you run the cold water tap until it runs clear. Also check the screen in the faucet aerator to rinse and remove any sediment that may have settled in it.

For additional information on the flushing program, contact the Department of Public Works at 978-664-6060.

Day 5 – Monday, October 1

Aldersgate Way, Baldwin Lane, Cameron Road, Caroline Road, Central Place, Central Street (from Spruce Road to Park Street), Freedom Drive, Liberty Lane, Main Street (from Lowell Road to Winter Street), Nichols Street, Olde Farm Lane, Park Street (from Main Street to Central Street), Patriot Way, Pilgrim Street, Quimby Road, Smythe Circle, Spruce Road, Winter Street.

Day 6 – Wednesday, October 3

Burditt Road, Damon Street, Eames Street, Gloria Lane, Gould Street, Kingston Street, Larch Street, Main Street (from Winter Street to Park Street), Mill Street, Nutter Road, Park Street (from Winter Street to Southwick Road), Southwick Road (from #37 Southwick Road to Park Street), Park Colony Condominiums.

Day 7 – Thursday, October 4

Alden Street, Carriage Way, Cold Spring Road, Gordon Lane, Greene Street, Linwood Avenue, MacArthur Road, Putnam Road, Rock Street, Southwick Road, Stewart Road, Summer Street, Wadsworth Road.

Day 8 – Friday, October 5

Barberry Lane, Furbish Pond Lane, Jill Circle, Kristyn Lane, Lisa Mary Drive, Oakland Road, Park Street (from Southwick Road to Wilmington town line), Redmond Avenue, Sandspur Lane, West Village Drive and Little School.