TANGIPAHOA WATER DISTRICT
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are hydrants flushed?
Periodically, you
will see Water District personnel releasing water from hydrants. Hydrant
flushing is necessary to test the hydrants to make sure working properly.
Flushing is also done to remove sediment from the pipes in order to
maintain water clarity and quality in the distribution pipes.
Is my water safe to drink after flushing?
Your water is safe to
drink. Occasionally, water becomes discolored after hydrant flushing. If
this happens, run your cold water tap for a few minutes until the water
clears. If it doesn't clear the first time, wait a few minutes and run
the water again. You should avoid washing clothes until the water
clears.
Common Water Quality
Complaints
A
large percentage of the complaints received fall into
one of the following areas:
White
Particles in the Water
It
has been determined that a number of hot water heaters manufactured
between 1993 and 1997 may have defective cold water supply dip-tubes.
These tubes are designed to direct the cold water entering the
heaters to the bottom, thereby forcing the previously heated water to
the hot water outlet near the top of the tank.
The defective dip tubes have been found to separate from the cold
water inlet and, over time, disintegrate into minute pieces resembling
crumbled eggshells.
This
material can readily clog sink aerators and showerheads but is said to
be non-toxic.
Off-Taste
Over
the years, numerous cases of off-taste complaints have been resolved
favorably when customers have been advised to disconnect out-door garden
hoses. Often these hoses,
with nozzles attached, can be found in a collapsed condition.
It appears that in these cases, the rubber-like or
plastic-tasting water that had been in the hose could, under the right
conditions, be pulled back into homes by partial vacuum pressure.
