Flushing Hydrants
The Norridgewock Water District typically flushes hydrants in April and May. While it may appear that water is going to waste, there are actually several benefits to the hydrant flushing process. Water main flushing is an important preventative maintenance activity that:
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- verifies proper operation of the hydrant
- evaluates the available flow to the hydrant
- allows us to deliver the highest quality water possible to our customers
- removes mineral and sediment build-up from the water main by drawing water through the pipes at a faster-than-normal rate
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Throughout the course of several months to a year, loose sediment and mineral deposits may slowly build up inside the water main, resulting in discolored water and reduced capacity. Flushing the water mains can remove the sediment and mineral build-up, and improve the color, odor and taste of the water (if it had any problems).
The flushing process takes between 30-60 minutes. During the flushing operation you may experience fluctuations in pressure in your faucets and/or see cloudy water. The condition is temporary and does not pose a health hazard. Excess air in the line is the cause of the cloudiness and will clear on its own.
Once the hydrants in your area have completed their flushing, it won’t be long until your water is ready for normal use again. In most cases, water should run clear within just a few minutes of faucet flow. If you see cloudy water, turn your faucets on cold and let the water run for a few to 5 minutes. If you are still seeing discolored water or sediments in the water, continue running cold water on all of your faucets until it is clear. Should your water still be discolored after several hours, please contact our superintendent Dave Jones at 474-1035.
We will attempt to schedule flushing in a manner that minimizes customer disruptions.