HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-08 City CouncilCity of Palo Alto
C ty Manager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CiTY COUNCIL
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
CITY MANAGER
February 8, 1996
Palo Alto Water Main
Report
DEPARTMENT: UTILITIES
CMR:136:96
Distribution Flushing Program -Status
REQUEST
This is an informational report on the status of the Water Utility’s annual Water Main
Distribution System Flushing Program. It advises Council why such a program is required
and when it will be implemented. No Council action is required.
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are no recommendations and no City Council action is required at this time.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This report does not contain any change to existing policies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Historically, the City of Palo Alto and approximately 85 percent of water utilities in the
United States use main flushing to improve water quality for water customers. Water
utilities may flush distribution mains for a variety of reasons: corrosion control, sediment
removal, taste and odor control, control of color, high turbidity, low chlorine residuals, or
bacteriological growths, or as a response to customer complaints. The main objectives
of Palo Alto’s flushing program are to improve water quality, control bacterial growth and
remove sediment. The Water Utility Operations Section had fewer water quality complaints
as a result of the 1995 Water Main Flushing Program.
Between 1990 and 1993 calendar years, the Palo Alto Water Utility did not perform an
annual main flushing program because of the drought. During this period, customer water
consumption was also reduced, thereby accelerating sediment buildup in the mains.
Subsequently, during the 1992 year, numerous calls were received complaining about
water quality. At that time, staff took water samples in response to these calls and found
that the reduced water quality was due to the buildup of sediment in the mains. Also, City
Fire Department personnel found more sediment in their equipment from the City’s water
CMR:136:96 Page 1 of 2
system during 1992. Because of sediment buildup in previous years, staff has determined
that the main flushing program will be performed again this year.
The water distribution flushing program will be implemented and maintained on an annual
basis. Beginning March 18, 1996 and continuing through March 24, 1996, the City’s
Water Utility Operations Section will open fire hydrants to flush out sediment which has
collected in the mains during the past year.
The water system main flushing map and schedule will be mailed to the City’s water
customers through utility billings and displayed in the Palo Alto Weekly and on the Cable
Co-op community access channel.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this work are budgeted in the FY 1995-1996 Water Utility Operations’ budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The water flushing program is categorically exempt under the California Environmental
Quality Act, Section 15301 (maintenance of public facilities).
ATTACHMENTS
Water System Flushing Schedule
PREPARED BY: ROMEL ANTONIO, CHARLES BORG, ROGER CWIAK
EDWA/" ’J~
DEPARTMENT HEAD APPROVAL: Directkr0~of’~Jtiliti~s
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
BER~IARD ~i~’. STROJNY
Assistant ,.,G~y Manager
CMR:136:96 Page 2 of 2