Water System Maintenance

The City of Greeley is committed to maintaining a safe, efficient, and high-quality water system through routine hydrant flushing and valve exercising. These essential maintenance activities help improve water quality, extend the life of infrastructure, and ensure the system works properly during emergencies.

The combined efforts of valve exercising and hydrant flushing maximize the effectiveness of our water distribution maintenance.

• Enhanced System Reliability: Regular maintenance prevents unexpected failures, ensuring a reliable water supply.
• Comprehensive Data Collection: Detailed records from both programs enhance our GIS database, providing a complete picture of system health and maintenance needs.
• Efficient Resource Use: By aligning valve and hydrant maintenance schedules, we minimize disruptions and make efficient use of staff time and resources. 
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Regular inspections allow us to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into emergencies.

Questions?

Do you have a question or want to report a problem?

• Broken hydrant? Call 970-350-9320.
• After-hours water emergency, call 970-350-9811, number 3.
• Contact us via email at watermaintenance@greeleygov.com

Valve Exercising

The Valve Exercising Program is crucial for ensuring the reliable operation and maintenance of our water distribution system and directly impacts water quality.

• Expose and exercise each main line valve to confirm it operates smoothly and effectively. 
• Helps prevent the buildup of rust, corrosion or other mineral deposits that could impair the valve’s functionality to prevent a secure shutoff.

Documentation and Tracking:

• The city records the location, type, size, number of turns, close direction and depth for each valve we exercise.
• The collected data is stored in the city’s GIS system, which maintains a comprehensive written record of each valve’s location, condition, maintenance history and inspection results. 

Benefits:

• Detailed Valve Information: Comprehensive records ensure we have up-to-date information on each valve.
• Emergency Preparedness: Reliable valves are critical in emergencies, allowing for swift isolation of
water lines.
• Operational Efficiency: Staff can quickly isolate water lines for main flushing or repairs, reducing
response times.
• Extended Valve Life: Regular exercising prolongs the lifespan of the valves.
• Reduced Overtime: Efficient valve maintenance minimizes the amount of overtime pay needed for emergency
repairs.
• Water Conservation: Effective valve operation reduces water loss and waste.
• Service Reliability: Minimized water service disruptions ensure better service for our customers.
  

Hydrant Flushing

To complement the Valve Exercising Program, the City of Greeley also conducts a comprehensive hydrant flushing program. This involves opening hydrants and allowing water to flow at high velocity through the distribution system.

Key Benefits:

• Water Quality Improvement: By flushing out sediment and stagnant water, we maintain high water quality throughout the system.
• System Performance: Flushing ensures that the hydrants and main lines are operating efficiently, free of obstructions and sediment buildup.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Each hydrant is inspected during flushing to identify any necessary maintenance or repairs, ensuring they are always in working order for emergencies.

What to Expect:

Hydrant flushing is a routine process that keeps our water system healthy and reliable — it helps clear out naturally occurring minerals and ensures our hydrants are ready in case of emergencies.

• You might see water running along curbs or notice temporary changes in water pressure.
• Your tap water may appear slightly discolored for a short time. This is normal and the water is safe to drink.

What to Do:

• Run only cold water through a garden hose into the yard or into a bathtub for a few minutes until the water turns clear. Do not run hot water as rust particles could settle in the water heater and cause problems later.
• Avoid doing laundry when crews are flushing nearby, as discolored water can stain clothing.

Landscaping Around Hydrants

Landscaping around fire hydrants requires careful consideration to ensure accessibility and safety. Here are some general do's and don'ts:

DO’s:

• Access: Keep a clear path from the street to the fire hydrant so firefighters can reach it quickly during an emergency. Ensure the area around the hydrant remains accessible so routine inspections and maintenance can be done at any time.
• Landscaping: Plant low-growing vegetation around the hydrant to maintain visibility and access. Trim regularly. Avoid placing larger rocks around the hydrant as they may be a tripping hazard.
• Spacing: Maintain at least 3 feet of space around the hydrant so firefighters can work.

Don'ts:

• No Tall Plants: Do not plant tall vegetation around the hydrant as they can obstruct the view or access to the hydrant.
  
  
  
• No Hardscaping: Avoid placing rocks, fences, or walls around the hydrant.
  
  
  
• No blockages: Do not place any objects near the hydrant that could block access, including parked cars, and trash cans.
  
  
  

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the fire hydrant remains accessible and functional in case of an emergency.

Our Commitment to You:

Our integrated approach to valve exercising and hydrant flushing is essential for maintaining the integrity and performance of the water distribution system. These programs work together to ensure operational efficiency, enhance water quality and provide reliable service to our customers. By conducting regular maintenance and thorough documentation, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of water service with minimal interruptions.