Maintenance Could Result in Dirty Water and Low Pressure in Florence

In an attempt to address ongoing water issues, the city of Florence will be conducting maintenance on its water lines, which may result in discolored water and low pressure for a period of up to three days. This work is set to begin on August 5 and will take place in sections along Alligator Road in Florence.

A Struggle With Water Quality

Residents of Florence have been facing some significant water problems for several months, with murky and discolored water being a common complaint. High iron levels in Florence’s groundwater have been attributed to the discoloration, which can be stirred up and end up flowing into homes due to disturbances in the water line, such as a breakage or change in pressure.

In addition to the maintenance work, the city of Florence has also started a Water Quality Team. Comprised of 20 members including city staff and external engineers, this taskforce was formed in response to a high number of complaints concerning water quality.

Potential Side Effects

The maintenance work is set to take place late at night from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Despite the off-peak timing, residents may still experience low water pressure and discoloration in their water supply. The engineers involved in the project have suggested high-pressure methods will be used to remove some of the iron buildup in the water lines, which will then be flushed out. The aim of this process is to reduce the future occurrence of water discoloration.

Accounting for Previous Issues

The discoloration and smell in Florence’s water is a result of a mixture of surface water from the Pee Dee River and underground water from an aquifer located underneath the city. There was a significant incidence of discolored water at the end of June, which reached several parts of northern Florence due to an unforeseen maintenance issue.

Working Toward a Solution

Although this is an inconvenience to the residents, the move to conduct maintenance on the water lines is a necessary step towards providing better water quality for Florence. The local government encourages patience from its constituents as it works towards a more permanent solution to this persistent issue.