System and Method for Recirculating/Filtering/Flushing a Water Main

A method for cleaning a water main having first and second access points, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) connecting a pumping device and at least one filter between the first and second access points of the water main;
• b) pumping the water through the water main in a first direction of flow between the first and second access points at a first flow velocity sufficient to release sediments in the water main, while bypassing the at least one filter;
• and
• c) pumping the water through the water main and through the at least one filter between the first and second access points at a second flow velocity to remove the sediments from the water, wherein the first flow velocity is greater than the second flow velocity.

A method for operating a recirculating/filtering/flushing system for cleaning a water main including first and second access points, the system including at least one filter for filtering the water in the water main, an inlet conduit coupled with the at least one filter, an outlet conduit coupled with the at least one filter, a bypass conduit coupled with the inlet conduit at a first location upstream of the at least one filter and coupled with the outlet conduit at a second location downstream of the at least one filter, a pumping device for flowing the water in the water main through the system, a first valve disposed in the inlet conduit between the first location and the at least one filter, a second valve disposed in the bypass conduit, and a third valve disposed in the outlet conduit between the second location and the at least one filter, the method comprising:

• a) connecting the inlet conduit to the first access point of the water main;
• b) connecting the outlet conduit to the second access point of the water main;
• c) closing the first and third valves and opening the second valve;
• d) energizing the pumping device to cause water to flow in a first direction at a first flow velocity through the inlet conduit, the bypass conduit, the outlet conduit, and the portion of the water main between the first and second access points;
• e) opening the first and third valves and closing the second valve to cause the water to flow through the at least one filter at a second flow velocity, wherein the second flow velocity is less than the first flow velocity;
• f) de-energizing the pumping device;
• and
• g) disconnecting the inlet conduit from the first access point and disconnecting the outlet conduit from the second access point.