Hydrant Flushing
2025 Hydrant Flushing maintenance is scheduled to occur beginning September 29, 2025, and continue throughout the water system for approximately 2 weeks.
Information about Hydrant Flushing and Flow Testing
The City of Tuscola Water Department is required to perform water system hydrant flushing and flow testing periodically. Flushing the water system involves opening a fire hydrant to send a rapid flow of water through the water mains in an isolated area of the system. During the flow, City crews also measure the water pressure and flow rate coming through the hydrant. These operations are a part of our routine maintenance program. Hydrant flushing and flow testing help ensure adequate water flow is available for fire fighting, and for consumption by local businesses and residents. It also helps maintain the City's water clarity and quality by clearing iron and other mineral deposits from the water mains.
City water customers may experience a temporary drop in water pressure at the time a hydrant near their water connection is being tested and flowed. This is not expected to last more than a few minutes and should not result in any type of boil order. Customers may also experience a temporary discoloration of their water as the iron and mineral deposits get stirred up and flushed out. The water is still safe to use and consume during hydrant flusing, however, the iron deposits that discolor the water may also stain laundry. Any discoloration or cloudiness experienced in the water after hydrant flushing should clear up as you run water through your pipes.
See below for frequently asked questions concerning hydrant flushing and flow testing.
Hydrant Flushing FAQ
- The City is required by the EPA to perform periodic hydrant flushing and flow testing.
- Operating and maintanting hydrant valves ensures the valves will work as expected during an emergency event such as a fire.
- Flushing helps maintain water quality and clarity by cleaning iron and other mineral deposits from the mains.
- Flushing can help remove impurities from mains after a water main repair
While it may appear wasteful, flushing is the most effective way to keep our drinking water safe, clean and pleasant tasting. Crews conducting the flushing keep careful records of the amount of water that is flushed through the lines so it can be accounted for and tracked along with other uses of water.
2025 Hydrant Flushing maintenance is scheduled to be performed in the City of Tuscola water system beginning September 29, 2025 and continuing for approximately 2 weeks. The schedule will be adjusted if the crew is called out to work on an emergency such as a water main break.
Please drive carefully and watch for workers in or near the roadway. In addition, the roads will be wet and the water may pond in low-lying areas for a short period of time. In your home avoid turning on any faucets or fixtures while crews are flushing. This may draw discolored water into your home piping.
During the flushing process, water customers may experience some disturbance in their usual water service such as a short-term decrease in water pressure or discolored water. Although the water does not pose a health risk, the following are recommendations:
- Avoid drinking the water until it runs clear from the tap.
- Don’t prepare baby food or formula if the water is discolored
- Do not wash clothes if the water is discolored. Wash a load of dark clothes first.
- It is okay to use the water for showering, bathing, and toilet flushing
Once the water runs clear from your tap, resume use and consumption as normal.
Sometimes hydrant flushing can make the water temporarily appear rust-colored because the iron and mineral deposits in the water get stirred up. Water is safe to use and consume during hydrant flushing, however it may stain laundry. Although the water is discolored during hydrant flushing and may look unclear or tinted the water is not harmful or contaminated.
Wait until flushing has subsided in your area then run the cold water tap until the water runs clear. If you have a water softener and are experiencing discolored water, place the unit into regeneration or cleaning mode after hydrant flushing is completed in your area.
Keep clothes wet and treat them with stain remover.
If you use tap water during or immediately after flushing, it could come out with sediment or be discolored. If it’s discolored, shut the water off and wait approximately ten minutes. After ten minutes, open several cold water faucets in your home allowing new water to work its way into your pipes.
Check your faucet and washer screens for trapped debris. Most faucets have a screw-on screen where the water exits the faucet. Remove the screen and clean any debris out, then re-attach the screen.
