Each spring and fall, the Fire Department flushes water lines through the City’s fire hydrants. Hydrant flushing is an important preventive maintenance activity that maintains the integrity of the water system and enables the Fire Department to ensure hydrants are in working order.
The Fire Department flushes hydrants by district. Signs will also be posted in your neighborhood ahead of flushing. Please drive with caution when Fire Department crews are in the streets flushing hydrants.
Discolored Tap Water
If tap water is used during flushing, it may contain sediment and some discoloration. If the water is discolored, simply shut the water off and wait a few minutes. Then run cold water for a few minutes to allow new water to enter your pipes. If the water is still discolored, wait a few more minutes and run the water again. In some cases, discoloration will occur for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water – it does not affect the taste or quality. Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times, as the flushed sediment could discolor white clothing. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark clothes first.