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Hydrant Flushing
Every so often Sandy Point Water staff open fire hydrants around our water district and allow the water to flow through the pipes. Our hydrant flushing program is very important to our water system, and it’s an integral part of our ongoing effort to deliver the safest and highest quality water possible. Flushing is necessary for the following reasons:
- It flushes sediments from mainline pipes, thereby enhancing water quality
- It verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves
- It helps maintain firefighting capability
- It helps us find weaknesses in our water system, and
- It checks for closed valves and weak flows in the mainlines
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when Sandy Point is flushing hydrants in my neighborhood?
If you see a crew flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water, using the washing machine or dishwasher, or flushing the toilet until the crew is done. Also, if the crews are working in your area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew.
What happens when there is hydrant flushing?
When a hydrant is opened, there are temporary incidences of discolored water while fine sediment particles are flushed out. There is no health hazard associated with the discolored water, and after a few hours, the discoloration dissipates.
What should I do after hydrant flushing?
- If tap water is used during flushing, it could come out full of sediment which causes discoloration. If you encounter this, shut the water off and wait several minutes. After waiting, check the clarity by running cold water for a few minutes, allowing new water to work its way into your pipes. If the water runs clear, it’s OK to use. If not, let coldwater run for several minutes to help clear it up. In some cases, there may be slight discoloration for a few hours. This only affects the appearance of the water but not the taste or quality.
- Avoid using hot water to eliminate drawing sediment into your hot water tank.
- Avoid washing clothes during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the cold water runs clear at the tap, and then wash a load of dark clothes first.
- If pressure or volume seem low at the tap or your appliances, check your faucet screens for trapped particles and clean them out.