Workers replacing 69-year-old valves; boil advisories not anticipated
MOUNT VERNON, Nov. 10, 2021 – The City of Mount Vernon began draining its 2 million-gallon underground reservoir on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in order to replace valves and perform other maintenance at this facility. The underground reservoir was constructed in 1952.
It will take a couple weeks for workers to complete those tasks and then fill the reservoir back up again, which will include testing for bacteria and a lengthy chlorination process, City Engineer Brian Ball, P.E. said. The City hopes to have the reservoir filled and fully functioning again by Nov. 24.
Ball emphasized that the City will have plenty of water for its residents and businesses while the reservoir is empty. The Mount Vernon Fire Department has completed its hydrant flushing for the season, and local industries have been asked to refrain from fire-flow testing during this time.
In addition, the City’s water tank on Wooster Road will be kept more full than normal while the underground reservoir is drained, and the Water Department will have extra staff available at the pump stations 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep water pressure steady in the event of a fire or water main break in the City.
While a citywide boil advisory at some point during this process at the reservoir cannot be ruled out, the City does not expect one to be necessary.