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Water company to flush Iowa Quad-City hydrants, mains

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| Monday, September 22, 2003 12:30 AM CDT | () comments

Linda Cook

Beginning today, Iowa American Water Co. will begin flushing water mains and hydrants in its Iowa Quad-City service area.

Flushing will occur from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The annual main flushing program is intended to improve customer water service by flushing or cleaning mineral deposits and sediment from water mains. Over time, sediment built up in water mains can cause discolored water and/or restricted flows.

"The flushing program is designed not only to maintain a high quality of water in the Iowa Quad-Cities distribution system but to inspect and operate fire hydrants to assure they are in good working order as well," said Stacy Sagar, operations manager. No interruptions of water service will result from the work, but Iowa American advises that, when crews are flushing nearby, customers might experience a drop in water pressure or some water discoloration.

Customers who have discolored water should let their cold water run to clear before using it again and refrain from doing laundry at that time.

Any water discoloration or low pressure problems should last only a short period of time. If problems persist, notify Iowa American Water's "Information on Tap" customer service line toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 641-2108.

In conjunction with the annual flushing program, Iowa American will adjust its treatment process to switch to a form of chlorine known as "free chlorine" that does not contain ammonia. Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by water quality experts to ensure optimum levels are present. Because of the temporary change in the type of chlorine, customers may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in tap water for the next two weeks. Iowa American Water officials say there is no cause for concern, and the effect is a result of the switch in chlorine type.

Iowa-American provides water service to two separate operating districts in Clinton and the Iowa Quad-Cities, including 30,000 people in Clinton and 130,000 people in Bettendorf, Davenport, Panorama Park, Riverdale and surrounding Scott County.

The city desk can be contacted at

(563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.