MLGW will idle Mallory Pumping Station for maintenance

901-529-2572

Utility customers in the Downtown and Midtown areas might notice some discoloration in their water and experience lowpressure problems after the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division begins a planned temporary shutdown of the Mallory Water Pumping Station on Oct. 3.

The shutdown, scheduled to last until April 30, 2017, is needed to allow for maintenance work at the 92-year-old station at Dunlap and North Parkway. MLGW officials said earlier this year that some $2.6 million will be spent at the facility to replace valves, control systems and other equipment.

The area served by the station is bounded approximately by Delano Avenue and James Road on the north, MLK Jr. Avenue and Lamar on the South, Hollywood Street on the east and the Mississippi River on the west.

In an effort to minimize disruptions, the utility scheduled the shutdown for its traditional off-peak water demand season. But customers still might notice slight discoloration in their water as other MLGW pumping stations fill the void in supplying them.

The discoloration, which is not dangerous, is caused by sediment in the lines, utility officials say. To eliminate it, customers should open the faucet that’s farthest from the water meter and let the water run until it clears up.

Some customers also could experience lowpressure issues during the shutdown, particularly in the spring, MLGW said.

Residential customers experiencing prolonged problems with their water should call the MLGW Customer Care Center at 820-7878 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Commercial and industrial customers are advised to contact the utility’s Business Solutions Center at 901-5284270 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.