BOPU 4-17-17
The City of Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) would like to inform customers that the Water Department’s crews will be conducting their annual testing and flushing of fire hydrants beginning Wednesday, April 19, 2017 for approximately eight weeks, weather permitting.
The system-wide flushing is a preventative maintenance used to preserve water quality and determine flow rates prior to summer use. Releasing water at high velocities from hydrants scours and scrubs water mains which removes film and sediments. If left unattended, these deposits could eventually impede water flow, which can produce reduced water flows for fire protection and cause taste and discoloration issues.
In addition to keeping Cheyenne’s drinking water clean and safe, the hydrant flushing helps keep insurance premiums for Cheyenne’s residents manageable. Flow rates and pressure test information gathered by the crews is used by the Insurance Service Office to rate Cheyenne’s fire suppression abilities. Thus better ratings may result in lower commercial and residential insurance premiums.
With over 3,000 fire hydrants, flushing will take place sections at a time. Starting April 19th, crews will be flushing hydrants east of I-25, from West 8th Ave. south to W. Lincolnway until approximately the eastern boundary of Bent Ave. and North Range Business Park. Please be cautious of people working in the streets and observe traffic diversions.
Hydrant flushing may cause your water to appear cloudy or discolored. Though not harmful, this water may stain laundry. If the water is discolored:
• Wait until the nearby hydrant flushing is complete
• Let the COLD water faucet or outside spigot run until the water clears
• Clean out faucet aerators or filters
If the water doesn’t clear, please call BOPU’s Water Department at 637-6471.
