What is the Water Main/Hydrant Flushing Program?
A flushing program is used to improve water quality and minimize discoloration. During the activity, water is forced through the pipes at high velocity and systematically flushed out of the fire hydrants, removing accumulated mineral sediment until the water is clear. Crews identify and flush the mains within specific zones. Flushing within the individual zones can take a few minutes to several hours. Part of the program also involves testing the large main-line valves and fire hydrants to ensure they are operating properly. When will the City begin flushing the water system? The City will not begin water flushing activities until mid to late January 2010. Due to freezing temperatures, it is not feasible to carry out flushing activities at this time. Also, the flushing activities are being fit in to our crew’s schedule, as they have time to address it. If other higher priority activities occur, such as flooding or snow, our crew will stop activity on the flushing program to address tho
