Questions Cropping Up Regarding BCWA Annual Flushing of Water Pipes

A representative from for Seniors was at the last and gave the following report:

The Franklin Court Center for Seniors has been having problems with their water pressure for quite some time.  They had BCWA officials at their location at least twice to check pressure and each time they were told that there must be something wrong with their pump system, etc.

After spending approximately $15,000 on engineering, they called BCWA back yet again.  This time, when the pressure was tested at the street they found that, lo and behold, the pipe was tuberculated and the 6" pipe was cut down to effectively a 2" diameter.  The Bristol Fire Chief has called for this to be repaired/replaced as soon as possible.

This gives us pause to consider the rest of the infrastructure in Bristol, Warren and Barrington.  The B&E report had stated that they found that regular maintenance had been cut back somewhat and funds were diverted to other sources.  They felt this would be a problem soon.  I think soon is here.

When there was , The first Fire engine heard a strange noise while pumping. When the fire was over they removed the hoses and checked the nozzles.  At the nozzles they had discovered a hand-full of "Rusty Metal" and some rusty ball bearings...the firemen allegedly handed them to the Chief...he in turn told Chairman Jannitto....I take it you haven't flushed the line recently. Good thing this didn't wreck the new engine.

At the December BCWA meeting there was a ratepayer who had a problem with a pumping device that became so clogged it literally imploded due to debris in the water.

As ratepayers we deserve to know when and how often our water mains are flushed. Water main flushing is the process of cleaning or “scouring” the interior of water distribution mains (pipes) by sending a rapid flow of water through the mains.  It is usually done annually to prevent bacterial re-growth and stagnation in low circulation areas of the distribution system, among other reasons.

At a recent BCWA meeting, a BCWA employee stated that the Bristol, Warren, and Barrington pipes had not been flushed in four years because Mr. Delise did not want to waste the money.  Whether this is factual or not, I think we all are entitled to know how often this maintenance is done.

What do you think? Have you had a problem with your pipelines? Do you think they should be flushed?