In order to maintain water quality and compliance with regulatory requirements, Port St. Lucie Utility Systems will temporarily modify its water disinfection process between Aug. 31 and Sept. 28.

The modification will entail the use of free chlorine as opposed to chloramine during this four-week time period.

Periodic modifications to the water disinfection process are standard practice and recommended by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) as a precautionary measure to maintain high water quality in the City’s distribution system.

Customers served by Port St. Lucie Utility Systems may notice a slight chlorine taste and odor during this time. These conditions are temporary and will not cause any adverse health effects.

Those who are especially sensitive to the taste of chlorine can keep an open container of drinking water in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the chlorine taste to dissipate. 

Flushing of fire hydrants will take place Saturday, Sept. 8 to Friday, Sept. 28 between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. During this time, your tap water may become cloudy and discolored. This will also be a temporary condition and should not last more than a few hours.

This process is an important function in order to maintain the highest quality of water possible for our 72,000 customers.

Watch this short video for more information

Watch Positively Port St. Lucie for an in-depth discussion 

Crew work area projected schedule (City-wide Hydrant Flushing Map):

• Sept. 8 - Area 10, Area 12, Area 31 
• Sept. 9 - Area 13, Area 15, Area 16, Area 32
• Sept. 10 - Area 9, Area 33, Area, 34
• Sept. 11 - Area 11, Area 37, Area 39
• Sept. 12 - Area 14, Area 17, Area 38
• Sept. 13 - Area 1, Area 35, Area 36
• Sept. 14 - Area 2, Area 20
• Sept. 15 - Area 4, Area 19
• Sept. 16 - Area 5, Area 8, Area 22
• Sept. 17 - Area 6, Area 23
• Sept. 18 - Area 24, Area 25, Area 30
• Sept. 19 - Area 26, Area 29
• Sept. 20 - Area 3, Area 21, Area 27
• Sept. 21 - Area 7, Area 18, Area 28
• Sept. 22 - Sept. 28 - All Areas will be revisited

Frequently Asked Questions:

What should residents do when hydrants are being flushed in their neighborhood?

• Use caution and drive carefully though areas where hydrant flushing is taking place.
• Avoid running excessive amounts of tap water including, but not limited to, bath/shower water, washing machines, and dishwashers.
• Tap water used during flushing could contain sediment that causes temporary discoloration.
• Do not be alarmed, there is no health hazard associated with the discolored water.
• If you encounter discolored water, shut it off and wait several minutes before trying again.
• If water is still discolored, leave it on and allow fresh water to work its way into your home’s pipes.

Why is flushing necessary?

• The overall result of hydrant flushing is improved water quality, color and clarity throughout the entire water distribution system, including 1,200 miles of potable water mains and 5,900 fire hydrants.
• Flushing is necessary to ensure there is adequate flow and pressure in the City’s water pipes. It also verifies there is a sufficient flow of water for fighting fires. 

Hydrant flushing is not a waste of water because:

• The flushed water is returned to the water cycle as it percolates into the ground and replenishes the water source aquifers.
• Only the amount of water needed to maintain water quality is flushed. The amount of water used during flushing operations and the cost of that water is small compared to the benefits of maintaining the Utility’s water mains and fire hydrants.

For more information, contact:
Jenny Tomes
Utility Marketing and Digital Video Coordinator
(772) 871-5131
jtomes@cityofpsl.com