Hydrant Flushing

The water department is responsible for flushing dead-end water mains every month. To do this we use fire hydrants that are located at the end of all dead-end mains. Flushing is an important component to ensure the quality of water in the city.

Hutto Hydrant Flushing

Each year, the Public Works Department and the Fire Department opens fire hydrants throughout the City and allows the water to flow through the pipes. The hydrant-flushing program is very important to the maintenance of the City's water system.

Hydrant flushing serves the following purposes:

• Flushes sediments from mainline pipes (which enhances water quality)
• Verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves
• Helps find weaknesses in the water system
• Checks for closed valves and weak flows in the water mains
• Verifies ample flow for fire fighting

Preparing to Flush

Prior to flushing, notices will be placed on barricades at intersections to inform residents of flushing in their neighborhoods.

Hints that hydrant flushing is occurring:

• There may be a temporary drop in water pressure at this time
• Water may be rusty or cloudy, discolored water is not harmful and will clear up in a few hours

Steps You Should Take

• Fill a bottle with water and store it in the refrigerator to use for drinking or cooking
• Flush your hot water tanks after the cold water clears
• Do not wash white laundry during this period, wait until cold and hot water are clear before laundering whites