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Plymouth's west water tower slated for cleaning, inspection today

South Bend Tribune - 9/11

PLYMOUTH -- One of Plymouth's two water towers is scheduled for inspection and cleaning beginning next Monday.

Chris Johnsen, water superintendent, said the city has contracted with Phoenix Tank, Indianapolis, to perform the work.

"If all goes well, the tower should be back in service on Friday (Sept. 20)," Johnsen said.

The water tower located in the industrial park on Plymouth's west side will be drained so Phoenix Tank workers can go inside. Johnsen said they'll clean the interior, removing any sediment build up, and check to make sure the interior paint which protects the steel structure from the water is still intact.

The reason Johnsen wants the public to know about the cleaning is because there is a possibility that some businesses and residents served by the west tower could experience a brief period of brown and rusty water after the lunch hour Friday.

Johnsen explained that while the west tower is out of service, customers will be served by the north tower located near Centennial Park.

"Just the changing of the direction of the water" can cause any sediment in the water mains to get loose, Johnsen explained.

"It should stabilize by the time most people get home from work," Johnsen said. "There also could be some pressure fluctuations."

Johnsen said that if residents experience brown and rusty water coming from their faucets, they should run cold water for 15 to 20 minutes to eliminate the problem.

"That should clear it up," he said, "but if it doesn't, people can call us at 936-3090."

Once the inspection of the tower is complete, and any required work is performed, it must be disinfected and cleared of any harmful bacteria, Johnsen said. The city alternates the cleaning of the towers each year to ensure safe drinking water, he said.

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