Spring Hydrant Flushes Completed

Each spring and fall, the City flushes its water system to ensure the highest quality water for our customers. If you see crews in your neighborhood flushing hydrants, please use caution and try to avoid driving through the water.

Regular flushing serves the following purposes:

• Enhances long-term water quality by removing sediments from inside the mainline and flushing the sediments out through the hydrant.
• Identifies malfunctions of the hydrant and related valve issues so they can be repaired and ensure they are in working order for fire protection.
• Helps determine weaknesses in the water distribution system.
• Identifies inadequate water volumes and pressures in the main water lines.

The same philosophy of preventive water line maintenance is one that you should conduct in your own home to ensure your home’s water quality. Your home’s water heater should be drained and flushed on a regular basis, according to manufacturers’ recommendations, to keep it working effectively and efficiently.

What to expect during the flushing process

During the flushing process, residents in the immediate vicinity of the work area may experience temporary discoloration of their water. This discoloration consists primarily of harmless sediment and air and does not affect the safety of the water. For this reason, it is a good idea to avoid doing laundry on the day the hydrants are flushed in your neighborhood.

If you experience discoloration in your water after crews have been flushing in your neighborhood, clear the pipes in your home by running all water faucets, primarily outside hoses for a few minutes. Running the cold water for about 5 minutes should clear up the water. If the discolor continues for more than 24 hours contact the Water Utilities Division at: 763-689-1800.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What should I do if my water pressure or volume seems low after flushing?

A. Check your faucet and washer screens for trapped debris.

Q. Is the water safe to drink?

A. Yes. If the water would be unsafe to drink for any reason, a boil alert will be issued.

Q. How will this affect my water?
 
A. During the actual flushing process, water customers may experience some disturbance in their usual water service such as short-term decrease in water pressure or discolored water. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water, it does not affect the taste or water quality.

Q. What should I do if my water is discolored?

A. Running the cold water for about 5 minutes should clear up the water. If the discolor continues for more than 24 hours contact the Water Utilities Division at: 763-689-1800.

Q. Can I do laundry on the day Public Works is flushing in my neighborhood?

A. It is best to avoid washing laundry ON THE DAY when the crews are flushing in your neighborhood (within five blocks of your house) because it may results in a discolored load of whites or lighter clothes. After flushing is done, you may want to run a load of dark-colored clothes first to ensure the water running to the machine runs clear prior to washing light-colored or white clothes. NOTE: You are absolutely free to do your laundry on the day they are flushing in your neighborhood, this is simply an advisory so you don't end up with slightly discolored light clothes.
 
Q. Doesn't the hydrant flushing program waste water?

A. While it may appear to be wasteful, flushing is the most effective way to keep our drinking water safe, clean and pleasant tasting. Careful records are kept of the amount of water used throughout the system.

Q. What should I do when I see city crews flushing in my area?

A. Avoid running tap water and/or using the washing machine or dishwasher until flushing is complete. Please slow down and drive carefully while traveling through the flushing area - DO NOT DRIVE through the hydrant stream, it can dent your vehicle due to the force of the water flowing from the hydrant. If you see a hydrant being flushed up ahead, take an alternative route if you can't wait for the process to be completed.