City crews are still picking up storm debris, and utilities will decide when to flush remaining hydrants based on whether the work can be done safely without pushing debris into the storm sewer system, which could lead to water backups and flooded streets. The current plan calls for flushing all remaining hydrants to be completed by July 30, and the city has updated its schedule map.
During the flushing period, customers may experience a temporary variation in tap water color and possibly some sediment. The city recommends running water at the tap for one or two minutes to clear it, avoiding laundry if the water is discolored, and noting that the water is safe to drink even though it may stain laundry.
The city describes hydrant flushing as preventative maintenance needed to help maintain the integrity of the water distribution system and support delivery of high-quality water to customers.