Wisconsin Water Pipes to be Flushed of Manganese Sediments
April 3, 2006
The city of Madison in Wisconsin will begin using a new system to improve the quality of water by helping clear the iron and manganese build-up that accrues in pipes over time.
The Madison Water Utility will flush 820 miles of water mains in one direction to reduce the sediment build-up. According to a preliminary test, there was a 95 percent decrease of iron and manganese sediments in the Nakoma area.
The city estimates the new water flushing system will cost approximately $150,000 every year, which is double the cost of the conventional flushing system.
The chief engineer of the project, Al Larson, urges residents not to drink, cook with, or wash clothes with the discolored water that may develop while crews flush the pipes on their streets. Additionally, residents should run their tap water until all discoloration disappears before using the water.
The discolored water contains a significantly high amount of iron and manganese, which poses serious adverse health effects when consumed.
“We know it can cause neurological and developmental problems,” said John Hausbeck, an environmental epidemiologist with the Public Health Department in Madison County.
Madison Water Utility crews will work five days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until the entire system is cleared.
To learn more about manganese exposure and its various side effects, contact a manganese attorney.
