The Department of Public Works announced earlier this week that crews will begin fall hydrant flushing next Monday, Sept 18., on the north end of the Village.
Residents can track where crews are flushing hydrants by using the interactive map on DPW's website. The department typically flushes hydrants twice a year, during the spring and fall.
Hydrant flushing is an essential routine and preventive maintenance task that helps remove built-up rust, sediment, and minerals from the water distribution system, verifies proper hydrant operation, evaluates hydrant flow, and replenishes fresh potable water.
Blue "hydrant flushing" signs are placed at road intersections and throughout neighborhoods to alert residents and businesses that hydrant flushing is happening in the area.
Flushing begins at the Water Treatment Plant near the intersection of Water St. and Park St., and proceeds outward. Crews usually progress towards the north part of the Village first, and once complete, crews move south.
During flushing, residents and businesses may experience brief disruptions in water service and/or water may become discolored from iron (rust) in the pipes.
Iron is not considered hazardous to health, according to the Illinois Dept. of Public Health. However, Public Works still recommends that consumers refrain from using discolored water until it clears. When flushing is complete in your area, residents and businesses may have to run water from all faucets to clear out any discolored water that may still be within interior plumbing.
It is also recommended that you do not wash clothes when your area is being flushed. If your laundry becomes discolored, keep the items wet and pick up a complimentary bottle of Red-B-Gone at Village Hall to rewash any affected laundry.