Turning each of the nearly 3,000 water-main valves in our distribution system takes quite a bit of time, but the Kansas Department of Health & Environment recommends this maintenance activity in order to keep the valves in good working condition and to insure they will operate in an emergency situation. Many of these valves are 80-100 years old, and each time we turn them we find valves that need to be replaced. Jared and Allen are using a machine called the "Spin Doctor" to turn valves. This saves a tremendous amount of time, but it's still a very labor and time intensive program.
Each time valves are operated, small bits of harmless calcium carbonate may break free and find their way to the strainer in your faucet. Again, the calcium carbonate is harmless and the water is safe to drink. If you experience cloudy water or restricted flow, this may be the cause. Just remove and flush the strainer to remedy this problem. Please call us at 316-321-9100 if the problem doesn't go away within a few days or if you have other questions.