Canal Winchester’s Division of Water opens fire hydrants around the community twice a year during its fire hydrant flushing schedule. Hydrant flushing allows water to flow through pipes, enhancing water quality by clearing sediment from mainline pipes. Flushing also verifies proper operation of hydrants and valves and maintains firefighting capabilities. The next fire hydrant flushing will take place between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, from September 21st – October 9th, 2020.
The water department offers tips for residents when crews are flushing hydrants in your area:
- If you see a hydrant being flushed on your street, avoid running tap water, washing machines or dishwashers until flushing in your area is complete.
- If you see hydrant flushing crews working, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew.
During or immediately following hydrant flushing, tap water may appear discolored. Although a slight discoloration may last for a few hours, it does not affect the taste or quality of the water. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water and poses no health threat.
Should you notice discoloration or other side effects from hydrant flushing, the water department suggests the following:
- If you encounter discolored water, shut your water off and wait several minutes. After waiting, check the clarity by running cold water for a few minutes to allow new water to flow into your pipes. If the water is still discolored, wait a few minutes and check again. In some cases, it may be a few hours before the water is completely clear.
- Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing hours. After hydrants in your area have been flushed, wait until water runs clear from your tap, then begin with a load of dark laundry before doing lights or whites.
- If water pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
To learn more about the city’s fire hydrant flushing program, including when the city will be flushing in your area, contact Canal Winchester’s Division of Water at 614-837-5623.