Each spring, the Indian Hill Water Works in conjunction with the Madeira/Indian Hill Fire Department conduct the annual fire hydrant flushing program. The flushing program is very important in maintaining the operation of our water system. Hydrant flushing enhances water quality by removing sediment from the water mains, verifies proper operation of the hydrants and ensures firefighting capability.
If you see a crew flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water and using the washing machine or dishwasher until the flushing process is complete. In addition, please treat this like any other work zone and drive carefully when encountering one of our work crews.
This year our flushing program will begin on April 5 and will continue for six weeks. Water Works crews will be posting signs at intersections to inform residents of flushing in their area.
Hydrant Flushing Purposes
- Verifies that fire hydrants are working properly.
- Flushes sediment from water mains.
- Checks for closed valves and weak flows in our water system.
- Verifies fire flows.
- Improves water quality.
Helpful Hints During Hydrant Flushing
- There may be a temporary drop in water pressure.
- Water may become rusty or cloudy. Discolored water is not harmful. This discolored water will clear up within a few hours.
- Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until cold water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark clothes first.
- If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
- Avoid running hot water until cold water tap runs clear. If hot water is discolored after cold water tap is clear, run hot water tap to allow hot water tank to clear. Hot water tanks can hold discolored water for some time after the cold water runs clear.
Hydrant Flushing Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Hydrant Flushing Necessary?
Hydrant flushing enhances water quality by flushing sediment from the water mains. Flushing also verifies the proper operation of hydrants and maintains firefighting capability.
What Should I Do After Hydrant Flushing?
- If tap water is used during flushing, it could come out full of sediment that causes discoloration. If you encounter discolor water, shut the water off and wait a several minutes. After waiting, check the clarity by running cold water for a few minutes allowing new water to work its way into your pipes. If the water is clear it is OK to use. If not; wait a few minutes and check again. In some cases, there may be a slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water; it does not affect the water quality.
- Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the cold water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark clothes first.
- If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
Why Does My Water Look Funny After Hydrant Flushing?
When a hydrant is opened, there will be incidences of discolored water while fine sediment particles are flushed out. There is no health hazard associated with the discolored water. Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate. To verify water is clear, run your cold water for a few minutes.
Who Do I Call If I My Water Just Won’t Clear Up?
If discolored water persists for more than a few hours, please contact the billing office at 561-6679.
Hydrant Flushing Schedule
- April 5 through April 9
Alberly, Buckingham, Cunningham, Drewry Farm, Fox Hollow, Given (Between Terrace Park and Camargo), Hawk Ridge, Holly Hill, Kroger Farm, Kugler Mill (Between Camp Dennison and Camargo), Meadow Grove, Mira Lake, Park, Red Bird Hollow, Shawnee Ridge, Shawnee Run (Between S. R. 126 and Drake), Whitegate, Wyman - April 12 through April 16
Arapaho, Beech Trail, Blue Cut, Bridgewater, Camargo, Camargo Pines, Deep Run, Drake (Between Shawnee Run and Cunninham), Given (North of Cunningham), Keller (Between Given and Loveland – Madeira), Old Hickory Dr., Old Hickory Lane, Old Stable, Pipewell, Post & Rail, Spooky Hollow (Between Given and Loveland – Madeira), Tangle Ridge - April 19 through April 23
Adams, Ahwenasa, Camargo Club, Chinquapin, Chumani, Crabtree, Demar, Drake (Between Indian Hill and Shawnee Run), Druwood, Graves (Between Drake and Graves Lake), Graves Lake, Greylock, Hunters Trail, Loan Oak, Marblehead, Miami (Between Shawnee Run and Water Tower), Mohican, North Clippinger, Peregrine, Rettig, Sentinel Ridge, Shadyglen, Shawnee Pines, Shawnee Run (Between Drake and Miami), South Clippinger, Sugarun, Surreyhill, Towhee, Tupelo - April 26 through April 30
Beaufort Hunt, Blome, Calderwood, Creekside, Deer Crossing, Eagle Ridge, Finley, Fox Cub, Hoffman Farm, Keller (West of Blome), Kugler Mill (West of Loveland – Madeira), Larking, Loveland – Madeira, Manor Hill, Perin, Ravenswalk, Remington, Sleepy Hollow, Spiritwood, Spooky Hollow (West of Loveland – Madeira), Spooky Ridge, Stirrup Cup, Tall Trail - May 3 through May 7
Algonquin, Annesdale, Arboretum Dr., Beacon Hill, Brill (Between Miami and Algonquin), Burley Hills, Camaridge, Camaridge Place, Cayuga, Drake (South of Indian Hill), Eustisfarm, Foxgate, Graves (West of Miami), Hilltop, Indian Heights, Indian Hill (West of Drake), Indian Run, Indian Trail, Miami (South of Water Tower), Muchmore, Muchmore Point, Rock Hill, Sanderson, Sorrel, Summerhouse, Taft Place, Tecumseh, Varner, Walnut Woods - May 10 through May 14
Brill (Between Drake and Miami), Brillwood, Councilrock, Graves (Between Miami and Graves Lakes), Greydonmeadow, Hobbit, Indian Hill (East of Drake), Indian Ridge, Ivy Farm, Noel, Old Indian Hill, Pamlico, Red Fox, Stonebarn, Walton Creek, Waring, William Henry Harrison, Willow Hills