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Utility Department |
KEEPING WATER CLEAN & SAFE
IT IS EVERYONE'S JOB TO PROTECT WATER FROM UNNECESSARY POLLUTION
HYDRANT FLUSHING
Onalaska maintains over 1000 hydrants. The flushing of these hydrants has two purposes. By opening and flushing the water, we are creating a high velocity of water movement that helps clean out chemical and mineral deposits in the water mains. While the water is spraying out of the hydrant, the utility is recording pressures and gallons per minute and taking samples of the effectiveness of our chlorine, fluoride, and phosphates that we inject into our system. Our other main purpose for flushing is to insure that each hydrant is functioning properly for fire protection purposes.
The fire hydrants are flushed in a pattern that proceeds out from the source of supply and scours large diameter mains first, than proceeds to smaller pipes that feed off the large lines.
If water is drawn into the house or business plumbing during or soon after hydrants in the area have been opened, it may include dislodged materials and look discolored. It's not harmful, but it could cause laundry stains. If such discolored water is drawn into the property, it can be cleared by opening the cold, hard-water taps nearest the water meter to full flow until the water runs clear.
If you have any special situations that might be affected by water main flushing, or other concerns or questions, please contact us at 781-9543 or 781-9545.
Please note that schedules may be affected by weather, crew size or other factors, so changes may occur.
