1/16/25 Water system burn out and flush

NOTIFICATION

CITY OF SELIGMAN

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BURN OUT & FLUSH

The City of Seligman will begin a free chlorine burn out of the water distribution system starting immediately and continuing until further notice, this is expected to be a temporary burn, however the Department of Natural Resources will instruct us further at a later time. This is a normal procedure, and our water operators monitor this process closely to ensure optimum levels of disinfectant are present throughout the water system. As a result of this procedure, customers may experience a temporary change in taste and odor, as well as discoloration of the water. This discoloration is due to the mineral build up in the pipes being removed by the flushing action. There are no associated health risks or cause for concern. This temporary treatment practice is recommended by the Department of Natural Resources.

Here are some commonly asked questions about free chlorine burn outs and their purpose:
Possible Noticeable Effects: During these efforts to improve water quality, there will be times of lower water pressure, possible odor and taste or small particles in the water. The City will attempt to flush the particles, color and odor from the mains with directional flushing; however, there is a possibility that some of this will get into customer

  • Is my Water Safe to Drink? Yes, the City of Seligman is dedicated to making sure the water is safe to drink and will continuously monitor disinfectant levels during the burn out If you experience an odor or taste in your water, it does not mean it is unsafe to drink. Odors are caused by the free chlorine disinfectant cleansing the system. Nuisance issues will go away as the work is completed.
  • Why is this burn out necessary? The City routinely flushes waterlines, as well as collects samples to monitor the water City staff is tasked with ensuring that water in all points of the system is acceptable to our customers. Over time minerals and metals, which are naturally present in water sources, can increase and attach to pipes and release when there are changes in pressure, resulting in discoloration or affected taste. Other processes such as the growth of biofilm can also occur in water distribution pipes. This free chlorine burn out will help cleanse the lines, reduce the occurrence of biofilm, and ensure that we provide quality water to customers.

If you have questions, or need further information, please call the staff at 417-662-3600.