Impacts to System Pressure: Updated September 12, 2017
As you know, the Slocum Elevated Tank has been removed from active service and we have been testing various pumping schemes to ensure adequate water pressure and flow in all Slocum neighborhoods during the two or three month time frame needed to complete the tank work.
This morning between 7 and 8 a.m. the higher elevation neighborhoods located between Lafayette Road and the South County Trail experienced a short period of very low to no water pressure. We apologize for this inconvenience. Our intent is to provide the most accurate up to date information with news updates such as this one.
Testing Pressure & Flow
First, active work on the tank structure has not yet started. As mentioned above, we are currently testing methods to make sure we can provide adequate pressure and flow in the water system. Typically our water supply wells start and stop based on the water level in the storage tank. Without a tank level, there is no way to know when and how much water is being used by our customers.
While certainly the most noticeable issue has been the low pressure in certain neighborhoods, we also must ensure that we don't over-pressurize the system. Under normal operating conditions, if wells do not turn off when demand is low, water would make its way to the storage tank, and if the wells continued to pump, the tank would overflow.
The tank provides an "open end" to the system. With the tank valve closed, such a situation could result in too much pressure in the pipes during periods when water demand is low, possibly causing water main breaks.
Good News
The good news is that the unfortunate situation that occurred this morning provided us with valuable information regarding water demand patterns. And again, many of the low pressure situations are being greatly exacerbated by lawn irrigation. Therefore, we ask all residents, especially in the Slocum area, to turn off their lawn irrigation systems.
Today we began draining the water from the storage tank. The contractor that will build the scaffolding necessary to work on this elevated tank has been moving materials to the site. In addition, the "behind the scenes" work, that is required to meet regulatory requirements (such as review of shop drawings and approval of health and safety plans) also happens.
We are hopeful that with the cooperation of our customers in curtailing their lawn watering, we may be able to avoid a total ban on outdoor water use.
While customers in the Slocum and Saunderstown areas can anticipate fluctuations in pressure over the next couple of months, please call us if there are any unusual or extreme changes.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our customers and appreciate your understanding.Anyone having any questions can call the NKWD at 268-1521 or 268-1522.