A new system designed to improve water quality in Tarentum began operations early Tuesday.
Automatic flushers were installed aboveground at multiple locations including Davidson, Summit, Constitution and Cedar streets and East 11th, West 11th and Highland avenues.
The larger, block-style units are permanent. There are also smaller pieces of equipment that can attach to fire hydrants and be moved if needed.
The devices are designed to reduce stagnant water, increase circulation and help lower total trihalomethane (TTHM) levels. Regularly scheduled flushing prevents the water from sitting too long and accumulating TTHMs. The flushers introduce new water and dilute the concentration of chemicals.
The work was needed to remedy violations issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection last year. Specifically, there were elevated levels of trihalomethane, a polluting byproduct formed when chlorine interacts with organic matter. Residents have received letters informing them of the water quality violation. It states that the situation does not pose a health risk.
Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said it is not a serious health risk, but water was stagnating at the water system’s dead ends. Older sections of the distribution system could have water that sits too long, which can increase the likelihood of contaminants.
The automatic flushers are scheduled to operate on the following schedule:
• 2 to 4 a.m. on Davidson Street.
• Midnight to 2 a.m. at the remaining sites.
Times could be adjusted.
Residents who notice water flowing during the flush should not be alarmed. Some of the devices are self-contained units that capture and discharge water internally or directly into a pit, according to a borough social media post.
Other units are portable flushers that discharge water onto the ground.
The new automatic flushers are part of a systemwide upgrade to replace much of the original equipment built in the 1930s.