Fire hydrant flushing, otherwise known as "hydroflushing," is necessary to make sure that proper flow and pressure is available in our water distribution system. Flushing also removes sediment from the system in order to maintain water quality.

How It Works

Flushing hydrants increases water flow through the system. This increase in flow stirs up minerals and deposits in the pipes and clears them out.

If you hear an unexpected sound coming from a hydrant, it may be an automatic hydrant flusher. These devices are attached to hydrants on dead‑end streets and are designed to release water on a set schedule to keep it fresh. This may be what you hear operating. Hydrant flushers only run during daytime hours and are working as intended.

If you see water coming out of a hydrant and no one is around, it may be part of our routine hydrant flushing protocol. 

During hydrant flushing, you might see a hydrant diffuser attached to the hydrant. Diffusers look like metal or plastic cones, and they direct water properly to a storm drain, and prevent spraying. Operators sometimes step away, though they are usually close-by, so the equipment may keep running even if no one is standing there.

You may also notice a large mat underneath the hydrant diffuser; this mat neutralizes the chlorine in our drinking water to make it safe for aquatic life as it enters the sewer system.

Coordination

We coordinate with local fire departments to avoid performing a flush on a hydrant that has recently been inspected and flushed by a local fire house. 

Flushing will not typically cause a water outage. However, it is common to see a drop in water pressure while crews are flushing a hydrant in your area. If pressure seems low after flushing is complete, check your faucet for trapped particles.

Water can become discolored after flushing and may linger for a few hours. If this happens, run your cold water tap for a few minutes until the water is clear. If it is not clear after the first try, wait a few minutes and repeat this process. Customers are advised to avoid washing clothes until the water clears. If your laundry does become stained, do not put it in the dryer. Rewash the clothes with detergent and a rust-removing agent. Rust remover can also remove stains from fixtures.