After a new water main is installed and pressure tested, what is the next step?

The next step after a new water main is installed and pressure tested is to fill it with clean water containing a chlorine concentration of 24 ppm to 50 ppm for at least 24 hours prior to flushing. This process, known as disinfection, is crucial to ensure that any harmful pathogens or contaminants that may have entered the system during construction are effectively eliminated before the water is put into service.

Using a chlorine solution at the specified concentration helps sanitize the interior surfaces of the pipes. Chlorine is a widely recognized disinfectant that destroys bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. The 24-hour period allows sufficient contact time for the chlorine to perform its disinfecting action thoroughly.

Once this disinfecting phase is complete, the next logical step is to flush the system to remove the chlorinated water, along with any remaining impurities, before the water is officially used for consumption.