Hydrant Flushing Program

Crews will begin in early May.  To view the area of operations in order to see if your home will be affected please follow the link for a live map.

Hydrant Flushing Live Map

Our hydrant flushing program is very important to our water system. It is an integral part of our ongoing effort to deliver the safest and highest quality water possible. How?

• It flushes sediments from mainline pipes (which enhances water quality)
• It verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves
• It helps us find weaknesses in our water system
• It checks for closed valves and weak flows in the mainlines

We schedule our flushing program during the wetter months when water supplies are more plentiful. We flush from larger mains first, and then move to smaller mains. The flushing route is carefully planned, and valves are opened and closed to control the direction of the water.

When any hydrant maintenance and flushing occurs some customers may experience discolored water as we increase the velocities and change the flow directions in our water distribution system.  We would also expect that the crew may disturb, however minimally, some landscaping bark dust, etc. depending on the fire hydrant locations.

Rest assured that the water is safe to drink and that the color in the water should clear up by running the cold water faucet for few minutes.

If you have any further questions please call 503 625-5722.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do When They Are Flushing Hydrants In My Area?
If you see a crew flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water and using the washing machine or the dishwasher until the flushing is done. If you see hydrant flushing crews working in the area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew.

How Will I Know They Are In Our Area?
Large signs will be posted in the areas being serviced.  You can call 503 625-5722 for an updated schedule of service areas.

What Should I Do After 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 OK 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 water quality. There is no health hazard associated with discolored water.  Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark clothes first.  If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.