Public Works Department personnel will begin flushing the City’s water distribution system on March 31. This procedure is necessary to help maintain the water quality in the distribution system.  It is performed by systematically opening fire hydrants throughout the city.

Flushing requires a large amount of water to create a scouring effect on the inside of the pipes to remove the sediment in which bacteria may form. The process improves the taste and odor qualities of the water and helps maintain chlorine residual in the system.

This scouring effect may result in some discoloration in the water. If this happens, residents are advised that, although unpleasant to look at, the water is safe to drink. The water should clear up once the system settles down, usually within 24 hours.

Pressure tests will also be performed concurrently at each hydrant location again this year. These tests are required by the Insurance Service Office, Inc. (ISO) in order to rate the City’s fire suppression system. The ISO rating ranging from 1 to 10 (with 1 being the best), has a direct effect on residential and commercial insurance rates within the Fire District.

Broomfield’s present rating is 4, which is considered to be good.  ISO ratings below 7 do not affect residential development and commercial development also benefits as the rating is lowered.

Flushing operations are expected to take 4-5 weeks and will require the use of approximately 15 million gallons of water. Business, commercial, industrial, and other high traffic areas will be flushed at night between the hours of 11 p.m.-6 a.m. Residential and lower traffic areas will be flushed during regular working hours. The schedule showing the areas to be flushed is shown in the following table:

2008 WATER SYSTEM FLUSHING SCHEDULE