Gloucester DPW will be making a temporary water treatment change to improve water quality to our customers. Beginning Wednesday November 28, 2012, chlorine will be used for piping system disinfection until sometime later this winter when the DPW will switch back to the use of chloramines. Customers may notice a slight chlorine odor.
This routine procedure will be followed by piping system flushing. Flushing may cause a change in the direction of flow in some water mains and may cause temporary discoloration of the water as iron particles in the pipe are stirred up. If you should experience “rusty” water, running a cold water tap for a few minutes will clear your line. We also recommend that you avoid the use of chlorine bleach during this time period to prevent staining of laundry if you are experiencing “rusty” water.
If you experience persistent water quality problems, please contact the DPW at 978-281-9785 or the Office of Water Compliance at 978-281-9792, so that selective flushing can be targeted to problem areas.
This notice is to appear in the Gloucester Daily Times Wednesday November 28, 2012 and on the city's web site.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Larry Durkin, P.E.
DPW Environmental Engineer