Daily monitoring has shown lower than normal disinfectant levels in parts of the Westlake water distribution system. While the disinfectant levels are lower than normal, the water quality continues to meet all state and federal standards.
This situation is attributed to very low water use during the extended rains, coupled with a lower than normal chlorine residual from our wholesale water provider, the City of Ft. Worth. Low water use increases water age which leads to lower disinfectant levels.
Town Staff follows the recognized best management practice for these situations - flushing the older water out of the system by opening fire hydrants. Flushing moves the new water with higher disinfectant levels to the affected parts of the distribution system. Our primary responsibility is to protect public health, and flushing is done to ensure the highest water quality possible and to prevent any unpleasant taste and odor.
You may have seen a few fire hydrants open and flushing water during the past few weeks at various collection points across Westlake (and in neighboring cities, too), and this flushing will continue until all testing is complete. While we try to minimize the amount of water that is flushed, this is a normal water quality control procedure performed by water providers and is not unique to Westlake. The flushing time can vary and last anywhere from a few hours to as much as 6-8 hours.
Should you have any other questions or concerns, please email Public Works Director Jarrod Greenwood or call at 817-490-5717.
by: Jon Sasser