AUB Water From HUC

Media Contact:

Wayne Scarbrough

(423) 745-4501 ext. 6002

wscarbrough@aub.org

June 1, 2017

ATHENS, Tenn. – As part of ongoing upgrades at its water treatment plant on Old Niota Road in Athens, Athens Utilities will have the plant’s operations shut down for two to three days.

This means that AUB will purchase all of its water on those days from the Hiwassee Utilities Commission (HUC), which transports treated water north from the river through Athens and to points beyond.

HUC usually requires only a single large pump to move adequate water to Athens and points north.   But next week, meeting all of the north-system water demand in McMinn County may require HUC to use two pumps at times.

With two pumps in operation, moving significantly more volume than usual, the pressure and flow in the pipes has the potential to cause sediment or buildup in the pipes to become agitated and show up at customer taps.

AUB flushes this HUC transmission line periodically to minimize any negative effects but we want the community to know that the possibility for sediment in water will exist.

If this occurs, AUB asks that customers call (423) 745-3131 to reach AUB’s trouble reporting line.   When you call this line, you can leave a message regarding the issue you are experiencing and your address.  This is helpful in the event many customers call simultaneously.

While there may be no issues during the work, AUB thanks all customers in advance for their help and understanding if there are any.

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