Brad Gresham, a graduate of Emory University, is the South Region Business Development Director for Xylem Inc’s Wachs Water Services and Pure Technologies, Ltd. Brad has worked in the water industry over 20 years with experience in the development and implementation of water sector asset management condition assessment solutions. He has participated in multiple National and Regional conference presentations and technical sessions throughout the United States focusing primarily in the southeast region.

I have given presentations at almost every water related conference in the southeast United States as well as technical sessions and continuing education classes.

Best Practices of Unidirectional Flushing (UDF):

Improve Water Quality and Reduce Customer Complaints

By:

Brad Gresham, Business Development Manager, Wachs Water Services

A Unidirectional Flushing (UDF) program, properly developed and executed, is an excellent, water-efficient method of cleaning water distribution pipes to improve water quality, restore capacity, and drive a reduction in customer complaints.  UDF Programs, when properly planned and executed, are also comprehensive asset management programs that yield long-term benefits above and beyond the improvement in water quality.

Utilities initiating improvements of water quality through unidirectional flushing face a number of challenges from the perspective of design and execution.  Design challenges range from planning sequences using outdated or inconsistent water maps (inaccurate system geometry) and/or planning sequences without knowing the condition of the mapped assets being used to create the flushing sequences.   Both incorrect system geography and inoperable assets will stop a flushing sequence in its tracks.  Execution challenges can be allayed by insuring an accurate valve and hydrant inventory and system geometry assessment is executed immediately before the flushing sequences are executed, so that the reliability of the sequence can be improved dramatically.   Additionally, by documenting PH, chlorine residual and turbidity both before and after the flushing sequence the change in water quality can be measured.  And finally, by ensuring the asset inventory and condition assessment on the valve and hydrant assets are completed, documented, accurate, and integrated into the utility’s GIS and CMMS delivers additional lasting value.

Join this audience and explore the essential steps to successfully creating and executing unidirectional flushing programs.  This audience will gain new and valuable insight into the process by examining how two UDF programs overcame these challenges and achieved sustainable results.