Water System Flushing & Improvement Update Oldham County Water District would like to provide an update on the ongoing water treatment and distribution system improvements that began earlier this year.
Progress Update Our crews continue to make significant progress throughout the county. To date, we have completed more than 50% of the planned system flushing effort across our distribution system. This extensive flushing program remains a critical component of implementing our new Corrosion Control Program and ensuring the treatment changes are fully effective throughout the entire system.
Understanding Water Discoloration We understand that some customers may still experience occasional discoloration, including yellow, orange, or reddish water. We want to reassure customers that these occurrences are not originating from the treatment plant. Discolored water occurs when mineral deposits that have accumulated over many years inside water mains become disturbed. This can happen during our planned flushing operations or when there is a sudden change in water flow caused by activities such as hydrant use, water main repairs, fire flows, or other disruptions within the distribution system. The flushing process is specifically designed to remove these deposits from the system. As crews aggressively flush each area, these minerals are systematically removed from the water mains.
What Customers Can Expect The good news is that once an area has undergone the full aggressive flushing process, we do not anticipate recurring discoloration issues from these deposits in that area under normal operating conditions. The work being completed today is intended to provide lasting improvements in water clarity and overall system performance. While temporary discoloration may still occur in areas where flushing is actively underway, each completed section of the system brings us one step closer to achieving the long-term benefits of these improvements. While this work continues, customers can be assured that Oldham County Water District maintains its routine daily water quality monitoring program throughout the distribution system to verify compliance with all state and federal drinking water regulations. Water quality monitoring remains continuous, and your drinking water continues to meet all applicable safety standards.
Thank You for Your Patience We recognize that temporary discoloration and increased flushing activity can be frustrating, and we sincerely appreciate the patience and cooperation of our customers as this important work continues. Our crews remain committed to completing this process as safely and efficiently as possible. We continue to believe these improvements will result in the highest water quality and system reliability our community has experienced. If you experience persistent discoloration or have questions regarding your water service, please contact Oldham County Water District at 502-222-1690.
Update About Water System Improvements and System Flushing Oldham County Water District is currently implementing important improvements to our water treatment process and distribution system as part of our ongoing commitment to providing safe, high-quality drinking water to our community. This transition began in April and will continue over the next several months. As part of this work, customers may notice an increased amount of system flushing throughout the county. We understand many residents have questions about why this is happening, and we want to explain what you can expect during this process.
Why These Changes Are Being Made Oldham County Water is implementing a new Corrosion Control Program (CCP), approved by the Kentucky Division of Water and developed in collaboration with experienced water quality experts and chemists. Like all infrastructure, water systems age over time. Portions of our distribution system date back to the 60’s, and as our community continues to grow, treatment processes must evolve to maintain and improve water quality. These upgrades are designed to strengthen long-term system reliability and improve overall water clarity and performance for our customers.
Why System Flushing Is Necessary The extensive flushing currently taking place is not incidental — it is a critical part of stabilizing the distribution system as the new treatment chemistry takes effect. Over time, natural minerals such as iron and/or manganese can build up inside water pipes. Flushing helps remove and clean these minerals/deposits out and allows the new treatment program to work properly throughout the entire water system. Without thorough flushing, the long-term benefits of these improvements cannot be fully realized. Simply put: the work happening today is what makes significantly improved water quality possible tomorrow.
What Improvements Are Being Made? The enhanced corrosion control program includes a phosphate-based corrosion inhibitor to help reduce corrosion inside pipes. This treatment forms a protective coating within the distribution system and helps keep naturally occurring minerals dissolved, reducing discoloration and improving overall water clarity. This treatment approach is approved by the Kentucky Division of Water and is commonly used by water systems to maintain regulatory compliance and improve water quality.
Is My Water Safe? Yes. Your drinking water remains completely safe and continues to meet all state and federal drinking water standards during this transition. Water quality monitoring is continuous and rigorous. At the treatment plant, water is tested against numerous parameters every day. Daily samples are also collected throughout all four quadrants of the distribution system. In addition, multiple locations — including our interconnections with the City of LaGrange — are independently sampled and tested by certified third-party laboratories. Oversight of your drinking water is constant, transparent, and comprehensive.
About Temporary Water Discoloration Because of the amount of flushing taking place, some customers may occasionally experience temporary discoloration, such as yellow or reddish water. While this discoloration does not pose a health risk, we fully understand how frustrating and concerning it can be. In fact, addressing these types of issues is one of the primary reasons for implementing this new treatment program. If you experience discoloration:
Run cold water for several minutes until the water clears
Avoid washing clothes until the water is clear
Contact Oldham County Water if the issue persists
If you experience discolored water, please notify us immediately so our crews can respond as quickly as possible.
Coordination Throughout the Community We are working closely with the LaGrange Utilities Commission and remain in contact with local fire departments throughout this process. Hydrant flow testing and emergency preparedness remain critically important. However, during this temporary treatment transition, sudden or unscheduled flow changes can disturb sediment in nearby areas and contribute to temporary discoloration. We greatly appreciate the cooperation and coordination of our community partners during this time.
Appreciation for Our Crews and Customers This work requires an extraordinary effort from our field crews and operations staff, many of whom are working extended hours to complete this process safely and effectively. We also recognize that increased flushing activity, temporary discoloration, and construction-related activity can test the patience of our customers. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we complete these important improvements. We firmly believe the result of this work will be the best water quality Oldham County has ever experienced. For questions or concerns, please contact Oldham County Water District at 502-222-1690..