Hydrant Flushing

Overview

Water main flushing is one of the most important things the Public Works Department does to keep our water supply safe and our infrastructure clean and complete. Hydrant flushing is performed once per year, between April and October. Additional hydrant testing may be done throughout the year or when necessary. Valves are typically exercised intermittently to ensure serviceability. 

What is Water Main Flushing?

The flushing of hydrants is done to clean out the mains and remove any sediment that may cause discolored water in your homes. To keep our mains clean and valves operational, crew members systematically open and close valves and hydrants to move water at high speed through sections of water main. This clears out naturally occurring mineral sediment that can build up in the water system and cause discolored water and other problems.

Some hydrants are flow tested to ensure ample water supply for fire protection services and is reflected as a discount in your property owner’s insurance! Be sure and tell your agent.

Residents may experience some normal discoloration of water the week of a flushing occurence. When flushing is happening in your area, you may have a temporary drop in water pressure or a brief water outage.

Hydrant Flushing Schedule:

Spring 2023 Schedule TBD

Public Works typically begins on the east side of the Village (Lorraine Court/Ternes Court – Collins & Quinn Subdivision, and works their way west through the village (ending at Cardinal Way/Cardinal Way Subdivison). They will begin flushing at 8:30 am and end at 3:00 pm.

Please note: Dates are subject to change due to system supply.

Discolored (yellow, brown, or reddish) water

Water main flushing stirs up mineral sediment that can temporarily cause discolored water in that area.
If you have discolored water:

1. Go to a faucet in the lowest level of your home or business, like a basement utility sink or first-floor bathtub.
2. Remove the screen or aerator from the faucet (if applicable) and temporarily bypass whole home water softeners or filters if you have them.
3. Run the cold water only at full force for a few minutes until the water clears. Once water is clear, replace the faucet screen/ aerator and put any bypassed filters or softeners back in service (if applicable).
4. If you have lower pressure than usual at a faucet, remove the screen or aerator to check if it's clogged. If it's clogged and doesn't rinse easily, soak it in vinegar for at least 15 minutes and scrub it with an old toothbrush.

We also suggest waiting until evening to do laundry or run your dishwasher if we're flushing in your neighborhood—and make sure your water is clear first. Discolored water can stain clothes and porcelain.