HomeMy Public PortalAboutFlushing FAQHydrant Flushing Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Hydrant Flushing Necessary?
Hydrant flushing enhances water quality by flushing sediment from the mainline pipes, verifies the
proper operation of hydrants and valves, and maintains firefighting capability.
What Should 1 Do When They Are Flushing Hydrants In My Area?
1 ''' If you see a crew flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water and using the washing
rr.
machine or the dishwasher until the flushing is done. If you see hydrant flushing crews working in the
r: area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew.
What Shoup! I Do- after Flushing?
If tap water is used during flushing, it could come out full of sediment that causes discoloration. If
you encounter discolored water, shut the water off and wait several minutes. After waiting, check the
clarity by running cold water for a few minutes, allowing new water to work its way into your pipes. If the
water is clear, it's OK to use. If not, wait a few more minutes and check again. In some cases, there may
be slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water, it
does not affect water quality. There is no health hazard associated with discolored water.
Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap,.,
then wash a load of dark clothes first.
If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
Why Does My Water Look Funny After Flushing?
When a hydrant is opened, there will be temporary incidences of discolored
4 water while fine sediment particles are flushed out. There is no health haz-
ard associated with the discolored water.
Allow a few hours for discoloration to
dissipate. To verify water is clear, run
your cold -water tap for a few minutes.