CHLORINE TASTE IN WATER
To maintain high water quality in the drinking water distribution system, Broward County will begin its semi-annual disinfection process, called free chlorination on September 18th, and end on approximately October 9th. Since free chlorination works more effectively with hydrant flushing, residents will see an increase in hydrant flushing activity during the same period.
Customers served by the City of Coconut Creek may notice a chlorine taste or odor in their tap water during this period. These temporary conditions should not cause adverse health effects; however, if you are sensitive to the taste or odor of chlorine, keep an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator for a few hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
Persons currently undergoing dialysis or with a compromised immune system should consult their health care provider to determine whether the change in disinfection will affect their treatment. In addition, anyone who has a fish tank or pond, including grocery stores and restaurants with lobster tanks and fish containers at bait shops, that use city water should contact a pet or aquarium professional to determine the need for any adjustments to their aquarium treatment procedures.
Please note that it takes approximately two weeks for the chlorine to clear from the system so the taste and odor changes may be present up to 14 days beyond the end of this Free Chlorination process.
For questions please call at 954-973-6786. Thank you.
HYDRANT FLUSHING
Have you ever been driving in your car and noticed a City worker standing by a fire hydrant with water gushing out? Have you ever wondered why they’re “wasting” so much water? There are good reasons for this activity. The workers you see are hydrant flushing to maintain the safest and highest quality of water possible.
The City of Coconut Creek flushes fire hydrants throughout the service area only when required. This program samples and tests the water in the distribution system and identifies when water main flushing is needed. Flushing serves the following purposes:
~Improves water quality in the distribution system
~Verifies the proper operations of fire hydrants and valves
~Helps find weaknesses in the water system
~Checks closed valves and weak flows in the water mains
~Verifies adequate fire flows for fire fighting
There are several possible times when you may see the hydrants being flushed in your neighborhood:
~To maintain disinfection residual
~Fire hydrant testing & routine maintenance Service and repair of water mains
~Taste and odor issues
The City must adhere to strict regulations from several regulatory agencies, (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Environmental Protection Agency, South Florida Water Management District and Florida Department of Health) when flushing hydrants. Even during times of severe water conservation measures, testing results could indicate the need for flushing.
Flushing fire hydrants is one of the most important maintenance practices that can be performed on a water distribution system. The time involved in flushing can vary from a few minutes to several hours depending on the circumstances (ie; size, miles of pipes, etc…)
If you see hydrant flushing crews working in the area, please drive carefully