Work on Abbeville water tower could lead to some discoloration

The water tower on Gertrude Avenue in Abbeville is currently off line as workers make upgrades to both its interior and exterior.
All water in the city is flowing from the Jacqulyn Road tower on which similar upgrades were recently completed.
The reverse flow from the Jacqulyn tower knocking sediment loose is likely the cause of discoloration to the water in some residences. The homes affected are located in the area around the Gertrude tower.
“The tower in that area is currently out of service and we are operating off one water tower,” Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza said. “You could experience some discoloration in the water from time to time.
“If you do, please call the city and we will go out to the neighborhood and flush the fire hydrants.”
The city’s public works department can be reached at 893-4231. Hydrants have already been flushed to correct the problem where the water has been discolored.
“Anytime there are complaints about brown water we send out multiple crews,” Public Works Director Clay Menard said.
Work is expected to be completed on the Gertrude tower later this month or in early April.
“This is an ongoing project for the renovation and painting of both city water towers,” Piazza said. “The inside of the water tower is being recoated. The exterior is being repainted.”
The towers are being painted with a light gray and dark gray.
“That is opposed to the light blue that it has been in the past,” Piazza said.
The “I love Abbeville” logo will remain in red on both towers. The color scheme has meaning.
“I felt like red and gray was symbolic of our flagship high school,” Piazza said. “Abbeville High’s school colors are red and gray.
“That’s why I chose those colors.”