Harpers Ferry News and Events

At the 9 April 2012 Town Council meeting, the Planning Commission presented a parking policy report.  The draft proposal for parking can be read here.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a phone message or an e-mail message coming directly to you in the event of a water emergency or similar occurrence? The Harpers Ferry Water Works will soon have this emergency notification technology available. We are inviting all water customers to take advantage of this opportunity to be notified in case of a public emergency. Signing up for the program is optional and your contact information will be kept confidential.

The program, Message911, has been used successfully by Shepherdstown for the past three years. The great thing about this program is its flexibility. It can notify all customers or just those in a certain neighborhood where a problem occurs. Messages are sent out simultaneously to all designated recipients so there is no delay in notification. Customers may choose two methods of communication from the following four choices: voice on your landline; voice on your cell phone, text message on your cell phone, or e-mail message. If you choose text notification you will be sent an “opt-in” message to legally comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.

In preparation for the start-up of this system, we have a sign-up form (click here) for you to fill out and submit to the Harpers Ferry Town Hall. Once the Message911 system is installed, the town clerk will have your information ready to enter into the customer database. If you have questions about signing up for this program, contact the Harpers Ferry Town Hall at 304-535-2206, ext. 3.

The Harpers Ferry Water Works will begin a hydrant-flushing program in April 2012. During this time the water works will have the opportunity to test and inspect the fire hydrants within our service system. This is greatly beneficial to the residents, fire departments and the water works to have a record of the operation of the hydrants. Hydrant flushing will occur Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What is the Water Main (Hydrant) Flushing Program?

In the past, a consistent flushing program has been neglected. It is recommended that the hydrants be flushed twice a year (Spring and Fall) for quality of water. This will remove sediment that naturally builds in the pipes. The operation can take from a few minutes to over an hour, although most last about 10 minutes. This will be the practice from now on. Please understand that some of the hydrants have not been exercised for quite awhile. This may cause problems within the system. A flushing schedule will be posted in the newsletter, placed at each Town Hall and forwarded to those residents on the e-mail list.

How will flushing affect water service?

During this time, you may experience low pressure and a discoloration of the water. The low pressure is a result of the demand placed on the system when flowing a fire hydrant. The discoloration is due to rust and natural sedimentation that occurs within the system. The discoloration will dissipate quickly. The water will still be completely safe for consumption during this time.

A word of caution: After we have finished flushing in your area, it is advised that you run your hot and cold water to remove any particles that may have entered your service line. Rust will stain light colored laundry. In the event that staining occurs, there is a remedy. Most grocery and hardware stores carry laundry aids that remove rust stains.

Anyone who experiences a problem after the flushing, or needs to report a damaged hydrant, can contact the water district at 304-535-2206.That can be very helpful because with this many fire hydrants we don't always know when one is damaged until we come through to do the annual flushing.

The Harpers Ferry Water Works strives to ensure that of the fire hydrants are in good working order from this point forward. It will be unacceptable in the event that ANY of our water system should fail to work properly at any time! Also, we just want everyone to understand what we are doing, and that these guys are just doing their job, and will do their best to take care of anything that comes up.

- Josh Carter, Superintendent, Harpers Ferry Water Works

Music on the Ridge, a concert series held each year, will take place on Saturday, 9 June 2012, from 6:00 p.m. until dark, on East Ridge Street. Proceeds raised during Music on the Ridge go to the Harpers Ferry Women's Club.