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1. What should I do when the city crews are flushing hydrants in my area?

If you see a crew flushing a hydrant or the fire department on your street, avoid running tap water and using the washing machine or the dishwasher until the flushing is completed.

2. What should I do after hydrant flushing?

If tap water is used during flushing, it could come out full of sediment that causes discoloration. If you encounter discolored water, 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's okay to use. If not, wait a few more minutes and check again. In some cases, there may be slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water, it does not affect the taste or water quality.

Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark clothes first. Hot water tanks can hold discolored water for some time after the cold water runs clear. If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.

3. Why does my water look funny after hydrant 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 water is clear, run your cold-water tap for a few minutes.