FLINT, MI — The Department of Public Works began facilitating 95/5 water increment combining/blending to the Genesee County Drain Commission (GCDC) secondary water pipeline on Monday, August 23, 2021. The process of combining the primary and secondary water sources was required to complete necessary repairs to the City’s primary water pipeline.
As previously communicated, Phase V of the City’s incremental water blend to 100 percent for the secondary water supply with the Genesee County Drain Commission (GCDC) began on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
Update:
• Construction work at Control Station #2 can begin. This work was delayed due to supply chain issues which impacted the fabrication of flange adapters (pipe connectors) needed to use with the 36-inch valves on Control Station #2.
• Tentatively, the construction at Control Station #2 will take one month and during this time the City will be 100 percent on the GCDC water supply.
• Construction work includes: valve replacement work, automating, and modernizing the primary water pipeline system equipment (see photo)
New water supply lines that feed into the New Chemical Feed building.
• Replacement and backup quills have been ordered for the Chemical Feed Building. Quills are used to help feed chemicals into the vault during blending (see diagram of quills below)
• When the valve repair work is complete, Flint’s water will once again flow from the primary water pipeline connection to GLWA at 95 percent and 5 percent to the secondary water pipeline connection to GCDC. This 95/5 blend is to keep the water, pipes, valves and other hardware in the secondary pipeline fresh and ready to use in an emergency.
• It will take two to five days to return to the 95/5 blend. The process to return to GLWA as the primary supply will include flushing and water quality testing.
• While the City of Flint is 100% connected to the GCDC pipeline, the city still pays a “readiness to serve” fee to GLWA. This is a flat rate water infrastructure cost. Billing to GLWA is in two parts: flat rate fee and volume of water metric rate. The city is not currently paying the volume of water metric rate while 100% on the GCDC pipeline.
All protocols are in adherence with the State of Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act, and the City’s agreement with its primary water supplier, GLWA, will continue to be followed.
Important reminders for residents:
• Visit www.cityofflint.com/progressreport/ for the latest updates on Flint’s water infrastructure projects.
• Water monitoring will continue as all major infrastructure projects are completed. Monitoring results are available on the EGLE’s website at www.michigan.gov/flintwater.
• For water emergencies or issues with water service call (810) 766-7202 [water] and (810) 766-7079 [sewer]. These lines are monitored 24/7.
• For non-emergency questions or concerns, email [email protected]. This email is monitored by DPW department staff.
• Mayor Neeley will continue to provide weekly community updates on WFLT 1420 AM and via Facebook on Saturdays.
• The City of Flint will continue to provide residents with updates on water infrastructure projects as information becomes available.
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