Why do towns flush fire hydrants

However, some calls may reach beyond the targeted region and DPW may be forced to return to an area due to unforeseen delays. This may result in residents receiving multiple calls during the hydrant flushing season. We will be collecting feedback during the operation to evaluate future use of this system for future years of DPW hydrant flushing. If you are already subscribed to Arlington Alerts, no further action is required by you.

If you are not, or are not sure, you can subscribe here. AFD operation is unlikely to cause pressure drop, rusty water. Hydrants are opened, flushed, and inspected to verify proper drainage, ensuring they do not freeze in winter. The flushing is not as involved as the DPW operation and is unlikely to result in significant loss of water pressure or rusty water.

The Arlington Alert system will not be utilized for this operation. However, if you see this activity in your neighborhood, and experience rusty water, it is advised that you run your cold faucets until you have clean water. Flushing the water mains can remove the sediment and mineral build up, and improve the color, odor and taste of the water if it has been problematic.

Unidirectional flushing at the minimum required velocity will improve the carrying capacity of the mains. Hydrant flushing normally takes place at the start of spring. Prior to local hydrants being flushed, you may want to obtain water in pitchers prior to flushing for your everyday use including drinking, cooking, etc. When the flushing is taking place, water quality may temporarily be reduced.

Plan ahead and be sure your laundry and dishes are done before the flushing process begins! Water main flushing usually takes place in one of two ways — conventional flushing or unidirectional flushing UDF.

In conventional flushing, hydrants are opened in different targeted areas and discharge water until accumulations are removed and water runs clear. While easy to conduct by water operators and crews, this method requires a lot of water, and may not always clean the pipe completely.

With UDF, each pipeline is isolated to create flow in a single direction and quickly clean the pipe. By concentrating the flow, UDF creates higher velocities to clear the pipes and requires less water.

Learn more about the benefits of unidirectional flushing in our infographic here. During the process, you might experience a difference in the water pressure in your faucets as well as some discoloration in the water. In most cases, water should run clear with just a few minutes of faucet flow.

Hydrants are flushed to keep water moving and keep pipes from stagnating in this case. Another reason hydrant flushing can be necessary is if water becomes stagnant in pipes, or water becomes contaminated.

Sediments, rust, and even chemicals can sometimes leach into a water system from broken pipes or even the linings of the pipes themselves. Engineers recognize this risk and determine key locations where hydrant flushing will increase water quality.

Science Some U. The final reason hydrants may be flushed is to test or record flow values. Certain codes indicate the necessary fire flows from hydrants in order to maintain safety in the event of a disaster.

Pressures and flow rates at hydrants can be drastically affected by other users' usage of water, or even possibly a burst pipe. Periodical testing ensures that there is enough water supply, which also can affect home and business owners' insurance rates.