Fire Hydrant Flushing Program
The Village's Public Works crews will be in neighborhoods this fall to flush hydrants on the street. This involves flowing fire hydrants to create high water flows that will scour our fine sediments from the water main. This work is being done as part of our ongoing efforts to deliver the safest and highest quality water to our residents and businesses.
What do you need to do?
- Expect temporary discolored water
- Avoid washing clothes
- Clean faucet screens if low pressure or if low volume
Schedule of Neighborhoods for Fire Hydrant Flushing
- October 20-22: Old Mill Manor Subdivision, Hillcrest Ave., Highland Ave., and Panama St.
- October 22-24: White Oak Ponds and Highlands Subdivision
- October 27-29: Tuscany Woods Subdivision
- October 29-31: Historic Part of Town East of State St.
- November 3-5: Historic Part of Town West of State St.
- November 5-7: Parkside, Stonegate, and Terrabrook Subdivisions
- November 10-12: Hampshire Prairie, Meadows, and Fields
- November 12-14: Tamms Farm Subdivision
- November 17-21: Lakewood Subdivision
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Hydrant Flushing Necessary?
Hydrant flushing enhances water quality by flushing sediment from the pipe mains, verifies the property operation of hydrants and valves, and maintains firefighting capability.
What should I do when they are flushing hydrants in my area?
If you see a crew flushing hydrants on your street avoid running tap water and using the washing machine or dish washer until the flushing is done.
What should I do after flushing?
If tap water is used during flushing, it could come out full of sediment that cause discoloration. 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 is clear, it is OK to use. If not, wait a few more minutes and check again. In some cases, there may be a slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water; it does not affect water quality. There is no health hazards associated with discolored water. Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark cloths first. If Pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
Why does my water look funny after flushing?
When a hydrant is opened, there will be temporary incidences of discolored water while fine sediment particles are flushed out. There is no health hazard associated with the discolored water. Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate. To verify if water is clear, run your cold-water tap for a few minutes.