Some Elk Grove residents may begin seeing Elk Grove Water Service (EGWS) work crews releasing considerable amounts of water onto their streets on upcoming Mondays. This work is part of an effort to clean the pipelines that have been delivering water to Elk Grove residents for many, many years.

For decades, Elk Grove citizens received water that was pumped directly from the ground through pipelines to their homes. This untreated water left years of mineral build-up on the pipes. Though these minerals, such as iron and manganese, are not harmful, they can affect the color and clarity of the water.

EGWS has made major improvements to the water delivery system in recent years to ensure the quality of the water it provides customers. Now that the water EGWS provides is being treated, the next logical step in delivering clean, clear water to its customers is to remove the remaining mineral residue from the pipes.

Historically, EGWS has been performing weekly, low-velocity cleaning of the pipes throughout the water system. This has been helpful, but has not completely accomplished the desired result. EGWS now plans to implement an aggressive high-velocity scouring of the pipes to remove the remaining mineral deposits. Ordinarily, water flows through the pipes at a rate of 3 feet per second or less. During the high-velocity scouring, the rate will be increased to 5-7 feet per second. The increased flow rate will scour the pipeline walls and remove the built-up minerals.

EGWS customers who live in the area bordered by Waterman, Sheldon and Highway 99 will see the effects of this scouring process. They are reminded to refrain from washing clothes on Mondays, as there may be discoloration in the water on those days. If any brownish color is noticed in the water at all, they are advised to simply run the water until it is clear. This will complete the pipeline cleaning process by ensuring that the pipes are clear all the way to the faucet. Colored water in the toilet will be removed simply by flushing.

Though the color and clarity of the water delivered on "scouring" days may be altered, it remains very safe to drink and EGWS customers need not be concerned about water quality.