Unidirectional Flushing

About The Project

Starting on March 27th, 2023, Greene County Sanitary Engineering (GCSED) began the implementation of Unidirectional Flushing (UDF). This will be system-wide as part of our Greene Forward initiative. System flushing is needed prior to bringing online some of the water treatment process improvements that are currently under construction.

UDF is a proactive method of cleaning our water distribution pipes to improve water quality by removing minerals deposits and sediment that accumulate in water mains. This will also restore system capacity in your neighborhood. A UDF program involves closing valves in a specific sequence to create water movement in one direction while opening specific hydrants at the end of that sequence.

Our crews will be flushing only between the hours of 8 am and 4pm. Flushing areas will be broken down into flushing zones and it is anticipated that flushing will occur in one zone per day. Maps of flushing areas will be posted here and Facebook page on Mondays to show our residents where we are expected to be for that week. UDF is expected to occur throughout the spring and summer of 2023 and 2024.

Below is the current area and zones for the week. Zones will be flushed in numerical sequence.

Benefits

Improved water quality

Impacts to customers

Residents will see a significant amount of water flowing from fire hydrants for long periods of time. While this may appear wasteful, it is the most effective way to maintain our pipes and keep our water safe and clean. The expelled water is returned back as surface water runoff and ultimately recharges the aquifer from which it came.

While UDF is happening in your neighborhood, residents may experience a drop in water pressure. If at all possible, we ask you to minimize water use until flushing in your area has ended. This will keep possible particles from entering your home/business piping.

Residents may experience discolored water after their area has been flushed. To clear this, simply run COLD water in your bathtub on the lowest level of your home or all faucets on the lowest level of the business. Run the COLD water until it runs clear, which should take roughly 5-10 minutes. If the water does not clear up after 10 minutes, please call our Utility Maintenance crew at 937-562-7108 during business hours (M-F 7:00am-3:30pm) or 937-562-7450 outside of business hours.

Discolored water is caused by mineral deposits in the pipes. While the water does not look aesthetically pleasing, it is safe for consumption. We do advise NOT washing white laundry in discolored water as it will stain. If this happens, DO NOT DRY your laundry. Simply rewash after clearing your lines.

GCSED understands that this may cause some inconvenience. However, UDF is essential for maintenance of our system as well as ensuring that we deliver safe and clean water to your homes. Water is essential and our mission is clear: To protect the quality of life in Greene County through effective, sustainable and affordable water and recycling services.