Water Quality
One of the primary goals of the Water Operations Division is to protect the public health of its customers. The water quality monitoring program is based on the requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations. The Water Quality Division’s staff performs a wide range of duties such as bacteriological sample collection at representative points in the distribution system, perform routine chlorine residual inspections, administer the Lead and Copper program, maintain fire hydrants, respond to customer concerns, and make evaluations on the overall quality of the drinking water within the system.
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For more information, please read our Water Quality FAQs.
Flush Water Mains and Unidirectional Flushing
- Periodically flush hydrants to maintain good quality water in the system.
- In order to maintain, and improve, the carrying capacity of our water system, the City of Palm Coast will occasionally conduct a standard industry practice known as Unidirectional Flushing. This practice is used to scour, clean, and continue ot provide high-quality drinking water.
What happens during Unidirectional Flushing?
- This process involves City staff opening and closing pre-determined valves to isolate a specific water main. Then a specific fire hydrant is opened to draw water through and flush the isolated section of water main. Due to the speed of the water during this process potential sediment build up is removed and the water main is cleaned.
- Test samples are then collected from the flowing water and tested to determine turbidity (clarity). The duration of the flushing is determined by turbidity of the test samples. Once testing sample shows turbidity below the targeted level, the hydrant will be closed and the process is complete.
- The process typically takes between 20 - 60 minutes per fir hydrant.
What should residents expect during this process?
- Customers in the immediate area may experience a drop in water pressure. You may still use your water during this time but may experience discolored water du to sediments being stirred up in the process. Your water will return to normal once the flushing process has ended.
- Residents in the area will be notified by signage and phone*.
- *NOTE: Phone numbers are drawn from utility accounts. Please make sure your utility account information is up to date with your phone number and email address. If you need assistance please contact Customer Service by either submitting a case on https://www.palmcoast.gov/connect , emailing customer-service@palmcoastconnect.com, or calling (386) 986-2360 (M-F 8am-5pm).
Lead & Copper Plan
- Train customers to collect first draw samples.
- Perform additional special water quality samples related to the prevention of Lead & Copper development.
Bacteriological Sampling Plan
- Collect samples at remote locations and test for chlorine residual.
- Collect bacteriological samples and preserve them for the laboratory.
Hydrant Maintenance
- Exercise and operate hydrants.
- Paint hydrants.
- Lubricate hydrant caps.
Customer Concerns
- Maintain positive pressure at all times to all customers.
- Respond to customer concerns and issues.