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Fire hydrants are a crucial part of our community's safety infrastructure. They provide firefighters with the necessary water supply to combat fires and ensure public safety. However, maintaining these hydrants is equally important to help ensure they function correctly when needed. This is where fire hydrant flushing comes into play.
What is fire hydrant flushing?
Fire hydrant flushing is an essential maintenance activity carried out by water utilities to help ensure the reliability and quality of the water distribution system. During this process, fire hydrants are opened to allow water to flow at a high velocity through the pipes. This helps remove any mineral deposits, sediment, and other debris that may have accumulated over time.
Why is flushing important?
- Helps ensure water quality: Flushing helps clean out any buildup of mineral deposits and sediment inside the pipes. These harmless deposits can occur when there is reduced water demand.
- Operational check: It helps ensure that the hydrants are operational and can provide the necessary water flow during emergencies.
- Fire flow testing: Flushing also helps in checking the fire flows in the system, helping to ensure adequate water pressure and volume available for firefighting.
What to expect during flushing
When crews are flushing hydrants in your area, you may notice a few temporary changes :
- Drop in water pressure: This is normal and should resolve once the flushing is complete.
- Discolored water: The disturbance of sediment can cause water to appear discolored. This is not harmful. Simply let your water run until it is clear.
- Change in taste: A temporary change in taste is possible for monochloramine systems performing a free chlorine burn in the system. This does not apply to all systems.
Tips for residents
To reduce potential disruptions during hydrant flushing, please consider the following:
- Avoid using water: Try not to run your tap water, washing machine, or dishwasher while crews are flushing in your area.
- If water use is necessary during flushing activities, it is encouraged to check the strainers on all faucets
- Flush all taps after flushing has concluded
- Check for discolored water: Before using the washing machine or dishwasher, check for discolored water. If it occurs, run the cold water for a few minutes until it clears.
- Prepare in advance: Store water for drinking and cooking ahead of time.
Fire hydrant safety
Unauthorized use of fire hydrants can be dangerous. Only fire department personnel and authorized maintenance workers should operate fire hydrants. Unauthorized use can damage hydrants, lower water pressure, and risk water quality. If you see an open hydrant, report it immediately to the local authorities.
How to receive customer notifications
American Water often uses its phone/text/email customer notification system to notify you before we begin flushing your neighborhood. You must opt-in to these types of non-emergency alerts.
- Log into MyWater, our customer portal, at: mywater.amwater.com.
- On the Alert Settings tile, click on the Edit button, which will take you to the page where you can update your contact information and preferences.