Scott Bayliss: After meter installed, pipes weren’t flushed
Three weeks ago the city of Modesto installed a water meter at my residence. When I arrived home, I noticed my hose was in the front yard. I jumped in the shower and had water pouring on my face when I got a strong chemical smell. I got out and turned the hot and cold water on full for a few minutes to flush the pipes. Soon, my face was starting to burn and was turning red.
The next day I started a load of laundry and encountered the same smell. Obviously, the water heater and other lines had also been contaminated.
A few days later I spoke with a neighbor who confirmed the same smell while running his hose.
I called the city and asked for an explanation. The supervisor explained that pipe dope is used in installation of meters and the crews should have flushed it out by running the hose in the front yard.
I’m wondering how many families came home drank contaminated water or washed clothes or took showers in it?
The supervisor said he will make sure crews flush systems longer after installations. I should have asked him to come on by and have a glass of water. The ice still smells like chemicals.
Scott Bayliss, Modesto
This story was originally published August 6, 2015 at 11:45 AM with the headline "Scott Bayliss: After meter installed, pipes weren’t flushed."