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Aiken schedules unidirectional flushing of downtown water mains starting July 7; expect temporary low pressure and discoloration
Summary
City staff and contractors briefed council on a unidirectional flushing program intended to scour sediment from mains; work will run in four zones beginning July 7 and public outreach will include door hangers, signs and app updates.
City staff and contractor representatives told the Aiken City Council on June 23 that the utility will begin a unidirectional flushing (UDF) program on July 7 to improve water quality in the downtown distribution system.
Unidirectional flushing uses valve closures to direct higher‑velocity flows down selected mains and out hydrants to scour mineral deposits and sediment. The city and contractor HydroMax USA will run 75 flushing sequences in four zones; officials estimated zone 1–2 will take three to four days, zone 3 about a week and zone 4 approximately another week.
Council heard the technical update from Mike Przybylowicz and consultants with Highfill Engineering and Hydramax USA. “This will remove mineral deposits, sediment, and overall just improve the water quality of the system,” said Dave of Highfill Engineering (presentation name: Dave, Highfill). Staff said valve replacements and GIS updates completed in recent months made the program possible and that the last valve installation was finished on the day of the meeting.
What to expect: staff warned residents to anticipate temporarily reduced water pressure in neighborhoods undergoing flushing and possible discoloration while lines are being cleaned. Officials said door hangers and neighborhood sign boards will notify affected residents in advance, and the city will publish zone maps on its website and mobile app.
The work follows a phased increase in routine hydrant flushing — from once every three years to the current practice of twice yearly flushing — and is intended to reduce future incidents of discoloration or turbidity during unplanned events. Council received the briefing; no formal action was required.
Clarifying details from the briefing: the UDF plan covers 75 sequences divided into four zones; contractor HydroMax USA will execute the flushing; GIS valve location data has been updated; expected start date July 7; outreach will include door hangers, sign boards and website/app notices. Staff cautioned that while UDF improves water quality it may temporarily lower pressure and cause discoloration during the operations.
