Fire hydrants in several Darien neighborhoods will be spewing water for some time tonight, as Aquarion Water Company flushes its system to eliminate sediment build-up in its water mains.
Photo via Flickr.com user jyllish
The first flushings will take place at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, and end on or before 5 a.m. Wednesday, on the following streets: Barringer Road, Camp Avenue, Center Street, Corbin Drive, Country Club Road, Day Street, Fairview Avenue, Greenwood Avenue, Grove Street, Hoyt Street, Ledge Road, Leeds Lane, Old King’s Highway South, Post Road and Spring Grove Street.
“This project should last approximately six weeks and, during that time, you might notice some discoloration in your water,” stated Aquarion’s website. “This discoloration results from the temporary disturbance of the water flow, which stirs up naturally occurring minerals that settle in water mains. You may want to store tap water in the refrigerator ahead of time for drinking and cooking. And, if your water is discolored, delay washing clothes until it is clear.”
In July, some Darien residents reported dirty water coming from faucets. Aquarion responded by saying there was excessive demand on the system, which caused low pressures and churned up sediment that covered the water main floor. Some residents have since complained about discolored water, said Peter Fazekas, Aquarion spokesman.
“Generally if you have a lot of iron and manganese in the water it will give it an earthy tone,” Fazekas told The Times.
The flushing should not result in any flooding, Fazekas added, even though the town is prone to such events during heavy rains.
Aquarion sent out at Code Red message to Darien residents on Friday, Aug. 31, to alert them of the water main cleaning. Several neighborhoods were flushed in 2011, Fazekas said, but the six-week cleaning of Darien mains will happen at many more locations, making this cleaning much more comprehensive.
Residents are advised to not drink or use the discolored water, as it can discolor clothes and could have an unusual odor or taste. First Selectman Jayme Stevenson told The Times that people with compromised immune systems should pay careful attention to their water color, as high iron or manganese content could cause complications. No chemicals are used in the flushing process, Fazekas added.
Darien gets its water from the Fairfield Hemlock Reservoir, the North Stamford Reservoir and the Stamford Laurel Reservoir. Under high demand, it also gets water from Darien’s Rewak Well, which borders Stamford, or gets it from Norwalk’s 2nd Taxing District. Darien residents use about 3 million gallons of water daily, according to Aquarion.
The cost of the cleaning falls on Aquarion and is included in its operational budget, Fazekas said. Darien residents will not be charged for the water that gets flushed out. An average of 18.7% of total town usages can be attributed to firefighting, water main flushing, water main leaks and unauthorized use, according to Aquarion.
“As part of our cleaning process, annually we perform targeted main cleanings,” Fazekas said
The company’s website will be updated weekly to show which neighborhoods are scheduled for water main flushing. Residents can also call 1-800-203-7000 to get updated information on the cleaning.
First Week’s Schedule (9:00 pm to 5:00 am)
Tuesday, Sept. 4 -
Barringer Rd., Camp Ave., Center St., Corbin Dr., Country Club Rd., Day St., Fairview Ave., Greenwood Ave., Grove St., Hoyt St., Ledge Rd., Leeds Ln., Old Kings Highway South, Post Rd., Spring Grove St.
Wednesday, Sept. 5 -
Bailey Ave., Camp Ave., Highland Ave., Hoyt St., Kerry Ln., Lakeside Ave., Leeuwarden Rd., Leroy Ave., Mansfield Ave., Old Oak Rd., Old Stone Rd., Ridgeview Ave., Robin Hood Ln., Rocation Rd., Shadbush Ln., Stephanie Ln., Stephanie Ln. South, Tanglewood Trail, West Ave.
Thursday, Sept. 6 -
Briar Brae Rd., Hale Ln., Heather Ln., Hoyt St., Leroy Ave., Lynn Court, Miller Rd., Old Parish Rd., Parsons Walk, Partridge Ln., Rock Spring Ln., Scout Trail, Stony Brook Rd., Stony Brook Rd. South, Tanglewood Trail, West Ave.
Friday, Sept. 7 -
Allen O’Neill Dr., Cherry St., Chester Rd., Denhurst Pl., Echo Dr., Edgewood Ave., Elm St., Fairfield Ave., Fitch Ave., Georgian Ln., Herman Ave., Holmes Ave., Hoyt St., Intervale Rd., Middlesex Rd., Norton Ave., Oakshade Ave., Phillips Ln., Rose Ave., Sunnyside Ave., West Ave.
ddesroches@darientimes.com
