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Guiding document for waterline flushing approved | The Forest Floor Report

Monday, October 24, 2022

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Hello, thanks for reading NEWSBOY. Here’s what’s in store this edition:

• A new council-approved document guides waterline flushing.

• Council members voted to support Measure P and Measure O.

• Make plans for civic engagement; city council meets Wednesday.

• Have another look at the forest floor.

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City gov’t | Brown water

City Hall’s efforts to fight nasty brown drinking water advanced this month with approval of guidelines for water line flushing.

The document helps to formalize the process of line flushing and leaves the door open to hiring contractors to get the job done.

“Flushing is the best option that we have and this past spring the crews did a comprehensive flushing of the system—first time in what, two years? Three years?” said City Manager Brian Bender.

The document keeps an eye on resulting water quality.

City of Willits: The flushing program will ensure that:

• Sediment and air are removed.

• The required free chlorine is maintained.

• Water is clear with no visible sediment.

• No objectionable taste and odor remain.

• All valves, fire hydrants and end of line blowoffs are exercised.

• Any malfunctioning or non-working infrastructure equipment is inventoried for future repair.

Bender said that brown water incidents have decreased, “we have seen the results,” he said.

Councilman Gerardo Gonzalez said he observed some of the flushing in his neighborhood and could see chunks of manganese that look like rust.

“They look like rust chips,” Gonzalez said, “I was taken aback.”

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