Cost and Benefit Analysis of Flushing

The benefits of flushing were found to closely parallel the objectives: Increased customer satisfaction, compliance with drinking water standards, avoidance of water quality fees and fines, maintenance of pipe infrastructure, and discovery of system problems. Four cost categories were studied (1) financial (tangible) costs to the utility, (2) financial (tangible) costs to the customers, (3) intangible costs to the utility, and (4) intangible costs to the customers. Utilizing one or more methods of flushing, several elements were need in order to be effective: preplanning, having a detailed approach, proper scheduling, and ample public notification. Details of all aspects are covered in this report.