The City of Keene Public Works Department will resume its water main flushing program Sunday, August 25th at 10:00 PM. The work will be done at night between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM to minimize any inconvenience to our customers in the form of discolored water or traffic delays. The work this week will finish Friday, August 30th, at 06:00 AM.
Routine flushing is required to maintain water quality throughout the distribution system. Flushing is the process by which water is moved through a water main at a high velocity so that a scouring action is created. The water and the associated build-up in the pipe are then discharged through a fire hydrant. While the hydrants are open in your neighborhood, you may experience discolored water or a drop in water pressure. In the unlikely event your water service is interrupted, or if you are experiencing no water pressure, please notify the Public Works Department as soon as possible (night phone: (603) 352-2222).
Tentative schedule:
Sunday ,Monday, and Tuesday nights will be spent in the area between Court Street and Washington Street including, but not limited to the following streets: Elm, Vernon, Mechanic, Pleasant, Green, Cross, High, Howard, Coolidge, Carroll, Spruce, Prospect, North, Ellis, Wright, Crestview neighborhood, Marshall St. area, Barrett, Green Acres, Drummer, and the Rule St. neighborhood.
The rest of the week will include the following streets: Maple Ave, Pako neighborhood, Liberty, Kennedy, American, Butternut, Old Walpole Rd., and possibly West St., Park Ave. area including McKinley/Russell St. neighborhood, Birch St. neighborhood and the Arlington, Royal Ave., Pinehurst area.
We recommend minimal water usage in the affected areas during the overnight hours. If you do have to use your water, you may experience discolored water. If so, close all taps in your home except one. Run only your cold water (with the aerator removed from the end of the faucet) for 10 minutes, and the water should run clear. If the water does not clear up, close the tap, wait 30 minutes and repeat the process. It is recommended that you not use the water or do laundry for two hours after noticing any discoloration. If the water is not clear after two hours, please notify the Public Works Department.
This work is performed at night to minimize the impact, but you may notice equipment and Public Works personnel working out in the street during this period of time.