System-wide UDF Program for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission
Weston & Sampson implemented a system-wide unidirectional flushing (UDF) program for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission from 2011 through late 2014. The program included flushing approximately 800 miles of water mains using the Commission’s existing UDF sequences. The UDF program implementation was conducted at night with an annual goal of 220 miles of flushed water mains.
The UDF program implementation tasks included:
- Evaluating the existing UDF program and sequences
- Developing field protocols for an efficient and effective flushing program
- Procuring vehicles, state-of-the-art equipment, and tools for conducting the flushing
- Developing a form and methods for field data collection
- Implementing the data collection using an iPad tablet device
- Creating project website (www.idatacollect.com) for real-time data reporting
- Identifying pilot area limits and conducting pilot flushing program
- Reviewing pilot flushing program results and finalizing field protocols and equipment
- Conducting the flushing program to achieve 220 miles of flushed water mains each of the four years
- Creating an electronic data reporting format to import data into the Commission’s Cass Works software
- Performing periodic safety audits to ensure implementation of field protocols
- Monitoring the flushing program implementation and providing periodic progress reports to the Commission