Fire Hydrant Maintenance and Flushing

Hydrant flushing is a routine maintenance process where water is run at high speed through fire hydrants to clean water pipes, maintain water quality and water pressure and verify hydrant performance. Depending on the location, flushing may last a few minutes to several hours.

Flushing helps:

• keep water clean and safe
• remove sediment from pipes
• check water pressure and flow
• ensure hydrants work correctly during emergencies

Flushing is performed as a routine maintenance practice, after watermain repairs, and in response to color, taste or odor concerns.

Flushing may still occur during water-use restrictions when it is necessary for public health.

While flushing is in progress:

• Avoid using tap water and washing machines
• After crews are finished in your area, run cold water through your faucet until the water is clear before doing laundry or using large volumes of water. It is recommended to wash a load of dark clothes first.

You do not need to call Utilities — the department is already aware of planned flushing.

Some homes may see temporary discoloration caused by sediment in the pipes.

If this happens:

1. Turn off the tap and wait a few minutes.
2. Run cold water only for several minutes to clear the plumbing lines in your home.

Discolored water is not a health risk, but it may stain laundry.  If the water does not clear in a few minutes, try again at a later time.

The amount of water used for flushing is small compared to the safety benefits.

The released water returns to the natural water cycle by:

• Soaking into the ground
• Flowing into waterways
• Evaporating

Because of the high pressure and volume, it is not practical to capture or reuse flushing water.