Harpers Ferry approves flushing instructions for new water meters; council says customers won’t be reimbursed

The Harpers Ferry Town Council voted unanimously to distribute post‑installation flushing instructions to residents as the town replaces water meters, and it decided customers will not receive reimbursement for water used during the flushing process.

Debbie (staff member) told the council the contractor recommended that each household flush its plumbing after a meter swap to clear debris and protect fixtures. She said the town plans targeted outreach — a project brochure, robocalls, inclusion in the March bills or a separate mailing, email notifications for groups of roughly 200 properties, in‑person knocks and door hangers that include step‑by‑step flushing guidance.

“The first time you want to turn on the water you want to go through this process before you start using your water,” Debbie said, explaining the risk of debris entering home plumbing after meter work.

The water commission advised against reimbursing customers for the water used in flushing. Staff relayed an estimate from the contractor that, at the high end, a household might use around 350 gallons (approximately $8) if the full flushing sequence were followed; staff described that figure as an estimate dependent on home size and number of fixtures.

Councilor Chris moved the distribution plan and that customers not be reimbursed; Storm seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 5–0.

Councilors asked staff to clarify instructions about removing aerators and to check whether ice makers need special guidance; Debbie said staff would consult the contractor and engineer and then circulate the final messaging. The council directed staff to coordinate timing so the robocall, billing notices and door hangers reach residents for each installation wave.

The council’s action is limited to distributing guidance and setting a policy about reimbursement; there was no vote to require any additional compensation or changes to the contractor agreement. Staff will finalize the instructions and circulate the messaging to council members before distribution.