Water Maintenance

Water Boil Advisory

When a water main break or other situation occurs in which any portion of the water system experiences a loss of pressure below 20 PSI, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) recommends that a Boil Advisory be issued to all affected customers within 24 hours of the occurrence. As soon as the affected area is identified, the notification procedure begins.
Although boil advisories can be inconvenient, they are an important safeguard. The majority of boil advisories issued are lifted within 26-36 hours.

Any or all of the following methods can be used to notify affected sections of the City:

• City maintenance crews attaching a notice on each door.
• Automatic email notices to those who sign up for the service.
• Media release to local newspapers, radio stations, television stations and TV Middletown.
• Phone call to all affected schools, nursing homes, etc. – identified critical water users.
• City website – Current News

The areas affected by boil advisories are determined by our staff using knowledge of valve locations, pressure zones, and connections to the mains. Not all houses in a neighborhood will be on any one water circuit.

Water boil advisories mean that water used for consumption (food preparation, drinking, brushing teeth, etc.) be boiled vigorously for at least one minute. Water used for purposes other than consumption (bathing, washing dishes, etc.) does not need to be boiled.

Animals often consume water containing microorganisms (such as streams or puddles) with no adverse health effects, so it is not necessary to boil the water give pets. Consult a veterinarian concerning the need to boil water for very young pets or those with a serious medical condition.

Fire Hydrant Flushing
Fire hydrants are flushed regularly to remove iron deposits and settlements from the system, check water flow, inspect and repair the hydrant. Sometimes during this process, residents may see discolored water or laundry stains. When hydrant flushing is being done in the neighborhood, check for clear running water before using for laundry. Rust on laundry items caused by hydrant flushing can often be removed with a produce available free from the City. Call 425-1896.

Leaks
Rising water bills, with no increase in use (watering lawns, washing cars, etc.), may mean a leak in the system.
Small leaks can waste a lot of water and significantly increase water bills:
60 drops of water per minute wastes 186 gallons of water per month.
1 1/2" drip leak wastes 603 gallons per month; this is enough water to wash the dishes from 30 meals.
A pencil lead diameter (1/16 inch) stream wastes 1,263 gallons per month; this amount could clean 28 loads of laundry.

Easy To Repair Leaks:

Toilets: Most toilet leaks can be traced to the overflow pipe. If overflow is a problem, a screw or knob on the valve or valve column will adjust the float arm down so the valve shuts the water off about a half inch below the top of the overflow pipe. If that doesn't solve the problem, the valve may be worn and need replacement.

Flapper Leaks: The best way to spot a flapper leak is to drop a little food coloring into the tank and see if it shows up in the bowl after about 10 minutes. If this occurs, the flapper valve needs replaced or re-aligned.

Sewer Maintenance Policy
The property owner is responsible for all maintenance and repair of the sewer line from the structure to the sewer main: cleaning and removal of obstructions such as tree roots, grease, etc. The City is responsible for maintenance and repairs within the right-of-way.

Preventive Maintenance Tips
To minimize water surprises such as flooding, wet basement, sewer back-up, etc. by taking a few precautions.

Flooding: Street and yard flooding is often caused by clogged street inlets and culvert pipes or poor yard grading. To help avoid flooding problems rake leaves and grass clippings out of gutters and away from culvert openings. To report a clogged inlet or culvert, call 425-1896 or use the on-line Request for Service.

Wet Basements: Ground water or improper drainage around the home can result in a wet basement. Make sure all downspouts direct water away from the house.

Sewer Back-Ups: Eighty-three percent (83%) of sewer back-up calls investigated by City crews are blockages of the lateral (the pipe running from the house to the sewer main in the street). To avoid costly repairs, at the first sign of trouble, contact a reputable plumber or sewer cleaner. If the plumber or sewer cleaner reports the blockage is in the City's main, City crews will respond quickly (often within one (1) hour) to check the public sewer for any blockages. If the main is clear, City crews on-site will assist with identifying the problem.

To avoid sewer backup problems, regular maintenance is recommended, such as tree root treatments, regular cleaning of the lateral lines and drains, ensuring downspouts are not connected to the lateral, vent stacks on the roof are clear of leaves, nests, etc.

If the property is served by a combination storm/sanitary sewer, make sure plugs are in the basement drains or backflow preventers are installed and in working order.  For more information, call 513-425-1896.

FAQ's

City of Middletown
One Donham Plaza
Middletown, OH
45042-1901
(513) 425-7766