Public Notice Fire Hydrant Flushing & Testing in the City to Begin

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Fire hydrant flushing & testing is beginning throughout the City of Fulton this week. Crews will begin at the clear well located at the corner of Mears Street & Martin Luther King moving from there to the West until they reach the CN Rail Yard.  The next section of town will be from the clear well moving East until they reach East Drive.  The last section of town will be West of the railroad including Riceville area. Estimated time to complete will be two to three weeks.  Thank you for your patience during this operation.

 

A hydrant testing and flushing program is very important to the maintenance of our domestic water distribution system. Each year water system employees systematically open hydrants throughout the City to gauge flows and to allow water to flow at a high velocity through the distribution main lines. Regular flushing serves the following purposes:

 

  • Enhances long term water quality by removing sediments from inside the mainline and flushing them out through the hydrant.
  • Identifies malfunctions of the hydrant and related valve issues.
  • Helps determine weaknesses in the water distribution system.
  • Identifies inadequate water volumes and pressures in the mainlines.
  • Helps determine fire flows at the hydrant.

 

You may encounter the following conditions during hydrant flushing operations:

 

  • A temporary drop in water pressure to your residence or place of business.
  • Rusty brown, or cloudy water. (These conditions will subside after the flushing is completed.)

 

Helpful Hints to Remember:

 

  • Before flushing operations begin, notify customers in areas where flushing is to occur
  • Use caution when washing white or light-colored laundry during the flushing operations

 

After the flushing operation is completed in your area:

  • Open the cold-water faucets and let the water flow until it is clear. Turn off the faucets.
  • Open the hot water faucets and let the water flow until it is clear. Turn off the faucets.
  • When both hot and cold water are clear, the water is ready for use as normal.
  • Check the faucet screens for trapped particles.
  • Wash a load or two of dark-colored clothes first.

 

What should I do when hydrants are being flushed in my area?

 

Mainly, avoid using the dishwasher, washing machine and don’t turn on the faucets (hot or cold). Wait until the operation is completed.  If you are driving in the work zone where hydrants are being flushed, please drive carefully.

 

Why does my water look rusty or cloudy after hydrant flushing?

 

When a hydrant is opened, the water in the mainline will flow out at a high velocity. This creates a scouring action in the pipe and dislodges fine sediment particles that have accumulated in the pipe. The fine sediment mixes with the water, turning the water a cloudy or rusty brown color. This mixture is discharged out of the hydrant.  Remember, after the hydrant flushing operation, run your hot and cold faucets to let the water clear before you use it.