SPRING Hydrant Flushing

Hydrant flushing is a technique used across the country to maintain water quality and clean the pipes that deliver water to homes and businesses. In unfiltered water systems, such as Ripon's, sediment and other organic material accumulate at the bottom of the water mains. This material can impact water quality and cause discolored water at the tap if it is stirred up. (Events that could stir up that material include construction, firefighting, and main breaks.) When we flush hydrants, we flush the material out and bring fresh water into the mains.

Water used during flushing is doing important work. While it may look wasteful, the flushing technique we use is an efficient and necessary use of water to maintain the integrity of the pipes and ensure excellent water quality. Similar to how we brush our teeth every day, the Water Dept. cleans the inside of our water mains on a routine basis. It’s an essential part of, and a planned investment in, maintaining the health of our water system.

Flushing usually doesn’t affect residents as they’re going about their day. If you see flushing crews working in your area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew.

Flushing crews usually work Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Every once in a while, circumstances call for crews to work outside these hours. 

What to expect

Typical flushing activities

Crews will be working in the street and at hydrants. You may see them accessing valves in the street to change how water flows through the pipe.

Crews doing planned flushing work attach large hoses to hydrants and turn on the hydrant at a fast flow. There will be water spraying from the hose and water could pool in the road. Crews clear storm drains to minimize water pooling. Crews do not leave hydrants unattended during this type of flushing. This type of flushing lasts less than an hour.

Safety during flushing 

If you see flushing crews working in your area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew. Be careful of spraying and pooling water.

Water service impacts

We will not turn your water off during flushing activities. In rare cases, you may see discolored water at your tap or experience lower pressure. 

Pooling water and blocked storm drains

Water running down the street is normal during flushing activities. Sometimes water pools at street corners or at storm drains. Our flushing crews clear streets and storm drains to reduce water pooling. If pooling does happen, it is only temporary. 

Discolored water or low pressure

In rare instances, while we are flushing you might notice discolored water, lower water pressure, or in extreme cases unexpected loss of water pressure. 

Discolored water is not consistent with the quality of water we intend to serve. If you have discolored water, you may choose to drink bottled water or water from your emergency supplies.

If you have discolored water, you can avoid pulling that water into your whole house’s plumbing. Avoid using tap water or running your washing machine, dishwasher, or ice maker until flushing is complete.

To check if discoloration has cleared, run the water at one tap for two to three minutes to see if it clears. If it does not clear, wait an hour and try again. When the water runs clear, run the water at any taps where you had discolored water.

Questions about flushing or want to report discolored water or low pressure? Call our Water Utility Department at 920-896-0978.