CHAPEL HILL -- A contractor plans to clean and inspect OWASA's water tank on Manning Drive on the UNC campus this week.
The cleanings should not affect water quality, pressures or flows to customers because other tanks in the OWASA water system will remain full and in normal operation during the work at the Manning Drive tank.
The cleaning, which is part of the normal maintenance of the tank, will involve pressure-washing the inside of it.
On Monday, in preparation for the cleaning and inspection, OWASA will release water from the water tank into ditches that drain toward Morgan Creek. OWASA will use an additive to neutralize the disinfectant in OWASA water ("chloramines," a compound of chlorine and ammonia) so they will not harm fish or amphibians.
After the tank is cleaned, it will be disinfected and OWASA's Laboratory staff will check water samples before the tank is returned to service. The Manning Drive tank likely will be full and in normal operation by Nov. 2 or 3 if the cleaning occurs on schedule.
OWASA has notified the local fire departments and UNC about plans to clean the water tank.
