Slocum Water Tower Offline For Paint Job

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI— Patch reader Bob Beatty reported a water pressure problem in the Slocum area.

"For the past few days, residents in Mountain Laurel Estates, Wickford Highlands, and Heritage Hills, plus others in the Route 2 and Route 102 area have been experiencing reduced water pressure," he said. "In our home it is low enough that it is difficult to take a shower on the second floor even when no other water is being used.

"I spoke with 'Tim' at the Water Department today and he said that the Slocum Water Tank is down to be cleaned and repainted, a task that is required to be performed very 10 years. That process is expected to be completed sometime in October. During that process the water pressure will be much lower.
Tim suggested turning off lawn sprinklers during this time, and stated that the town is trying to changeover some pumping stations to boost pressure."

The information on the Town's website says Aug. 22 and 23 would be the dates when pressure changes could start.

Possible Impacts to System Pressure in Slocum Area

Maintaining critical water system infrastructure is a key element of water system operations and maintenance. Beginning in September 2017 the Department will be draining and recoating the Slocum Elevated water storage tank. This work will extend over a number of months and will require that seasonal watering restrictions remain in place into September and October. It is also possible that we may need to institute additional short term restrictions as a part of this process. Customers in the Slocum service area may experience variations in water pressure from time to time, as well as possible discoloration and should also be aware that chlorinated water may be redirected from our low pressure zone into the Slocum high pressure zone. In preparation for this project we will be making adjustments to our distribution infrastructure on August 22nd & 23rd that may also involve short term water pressure variations. If you should note any extreme changes in system pressure at your home, please call the Department at 268-1521 or 268-1522.

This work is part of our capital improvement plan storage tank improvements that over the past 10 years has included the construction of a new elevated storage tank to replace the Wickford (Juniper Hill) standpipe and improvements to the North End (Forge Road) and Saunderstown standpipes, including interior and exterior recoating, safety improvements and a mixing system for improved tank water quality.