The city will be flushing dead-end fire hydrants Sept. 26 – 30 and Oct. 3 – 7. Flushing hours will be from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. As always, the estimated dates are based on the weather, current maintenance needs or emergencies that staff need to address. This process will be mainly on dead-end streets or cul-de-sacs and is necessary to maintain water quality. Any one neighborhood or area won’t be affected for the entire week. Once a watermain is flushed, city crews will move to the next one.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to specify exact dates and times crews will be in specific neighborhoods, which is why the five-day window is published. Residents can check to see if watermains have been flushed in their neighborhood by viewing the hydrant flushing map. Crews flush the watermains by opening fire hydrants, so don’t be alarmed if you see water gushing from hydrants while a city truck is nearby.

While water has improved color and taste after watermain flushing, the process can temporarily discolor water due to loose iron particles. Iron naturally occurs in groundwater and isn’t harmful to your health. If you experience discolored water, take the following precautions. If you have questions, call public works at 952.924.2562.

• Turn your water softener off or set it to “bypass” for the time period watermain flushing is scheduled.
• During this time period, don’t do laundry without first checking to see if your water is rust colored. Check water by running the tap. If it’s rust colored, don’t run your washing machine until you’ve cleared the water. To clear your water, run the cold water tap in your laundry tub until it runs clear, then do your laundry. If your laundry is stained by the water during this time period, keep the laundered items wet and call public works at 952.924.2562. We will deliver a chemical that will remove the stains.
• Each morning during this time period, run the cold water tap to flush your household system of any discolored water sitting in the pipes. If tap water becomes discolored during the day, run the cold water tap until the water clears again.