Why Does Owatonna Public Utilities Flush Water Mains?

Ever wondered why water mains are flushed each year? And why does it make your water brownish? Owatonna Public Utilities (OPU) answers those queries while releasing the schedule for water main flushing that begins Monday, April 25 in Owatonna.

The reason to flush is it "helps maintain water quality by removing mineral sediments from the water main lines that can affect water taste, clarity and/or color," according to the April 2022 newsletter. "It also helps identify malfunctions of the hydrants and relates valves."

"Discoloration is normal and will last only a short time after the nearby hydrants have been flushed. When a hydrant is opened, the water in the mainline will flow out at a high velocity. This creates a scouring action in the pipe and dislodges fine sediment particles that have accumulated."

The newsletter continues, "The discolored water is safe for drinking, but you may choose to reschedule laundry or other work that may be affected by discoloration." Letting a tap run will clear the pipes in a few minutes.

Find the full flushing schedule here

If you live on a flushing boundary, be prepared for the impact for more than one day. Flushing usually occurs between 7 am and 4 pm. However, Tuesday, May 3 begins at 4 am.

APRIL IS SAFE DIGGING MONTH

OPU reminds homeowners, "It is required by law, any person doing any type of excavation using machine-powered equipment of any kind, or explosives, must file a locate request at least 48 business hours prior to excavation. ['explosives!?]

Call 1-800-252-1166 or 811 or go to the OPU website for more information.

LOOK: The story behind every NFL team name

Stacker delved into the story behind every NFL football team name. Overall team records, also included, are reflective of NFL regular-season games. There are some football teams with well-known nicknames—the Jets, for instance, are often referred to as Gang Green—but we also divulge how some teams’ official names are sparingly used (the Jets’ neighbors, the Giants, are actually known as the New York Football Giants). Sometimes a team name can tell you a lot about local history: The Vikings of Minnesota draw upon the area’s strong ties to Scandinavia, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are dripping in local legend related to Florida’s pirate past.

Let’s kick off the countdown with the folks who earned their nickname by buying boxes of used team jerseys.

Categories: Local News