Interconnect Project Update

We are pleased to share another major update on the new 4.5-mile interconnect water line.

Construction of the line was essentially completed last week, including the placement and completion of concrete blocking at four locations. In an effort to keep the project moving as quickly as possible, RCH began filling and flushing the new line rather than waiting for the next scheduled phase of work.

All flush points were opened, including the hydrant near Edwards Road and FM 548, and water was slowly pumped into the new line at approximately 1,800 gallons per minute. This allowed us to fill the entire 4.5-mile line, flush it thoroughly, and remove trapped air from the system.

The initial flush went very well. A second flush will be performed to make sure any remaining dirt, sediment, or construction debris has been cleared from the line.

The next major step begins today. A specialized contractor will sanitize the new line using a high-chlorine treatment followed by an extended slow flush lasting approximately 15 to 18 hours.

After the sanitization process is complete, RCH plans to collect 26 bacteriological water samples from throughout the new line. Those samples will be submitted to the North Texas Municipal Water District laboratory for testing. Laboratory results require a minimum of approximately 24 hours.

If all samples pass, the new line will have completed the required flushing, sanitization, and water-quality testing process, bringing us another major step closer to placing it into service.

Members should be aware that a significant amount of water will be continuously discharged from the hydrant near Edwards Road and FM 548 during the 15- to 18-hour flushing period today, Tuesday into Wednesday. The discharge will be controlled and should not be spraying into the roadway, but water may accumulate in the surrounding area and become noticeable during the extended flushing process.

This flushing is intentional and is an important part of safely preparing the new water line for service.

The final steps include testing, required approvals, and commissioning. The timeline remains dependent on successful water-quality testing, which we expect to be completed shortly. Once these requirements are satisfied, we will immediately place the new supply and facility into service.

We appreciate our members’ patience as we complete these final steps and look forward to providing another update once laboratory testing is complete.

RCH Water Supply Corporation