Hydrant Flushing
Enhancing Water Quality
An important part of delivering quality water involves occasionally flushing the pipes in the distribution system. TVWD staff open fire hydrants around the District at scheduled intervals to allow the water to flow through the pipes. This enhances water quality by flushing sediment from the pipes, verifies proper hydrant and valve operation, and helps maintain firefighting capabilities.
» View Current Hydrant Flushing Areas
Flushing Program Schedule
We schedule our flushing program during the wetter months when water supplies are more plentiful. We flush from larger mains first then move to smaller mains. The flushing route is carefully planned and valves are opened and closed to control the direction of the water.
What Should I Do When TVWD Is Flushing Hydrants In My Area?
If you see a crew flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water and using the washing machine or the dishwasher until the flushing is done. If you see hydrant flushing crews working in the area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew.
What Should I Do After Flushing?
- If tap water is used during flushing, it could come out full of sediment that causes discoloration. If you encounter discolored water, shut the water off and wait 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's OK to use. If not, wait a few more minutes and check again. In some cases, there may be slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water, it does not affect water quality. There is no health hazard associated with discolored water.
- Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the 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 Flushing?
When a hydrant is opened, there may be temporary 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 tap for a few minutes.