Hydrant Flushing

On a regular basis, city staff open fire hydrant valves to allow water to flow through the pipes. Systematically opening the hydrants enhances water quality by flushing sediment from the main line pipes, verifies the proper operation of hydrants and valves, and ensures that the hydrant is operational in case of a fire emergency.

The hydrant "flushing" is scheduled during wetter months, when water supplies are more plentiful. Larger mains are flushed first, then crews move to smaller mains. The flushing route is carefully planned to control the direction of the water. When a hydrant is opened, there will be temporary incidences of discolored water while fine sediment particles are flushed. There are no health hazards associated with the discolored water.

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 is done. If you see hydrant flushing crews working in the area, please treat them like any other road construction crew and drive carefully.

Some things to be aware of:

    If tap water is used during flushing, it may be discolored by fine sediment particles dislodged from the main line. If you see discolored water, shut off the tap and wait several minutes. Then 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 still unclear, repeat this process. In some cases, there may be slight discoloration for a few hours. The discoloration affects only the appearance of the water; it does not affect water quality. There are no health hazards associated with discolored water.
    Avoid washing laundry until water runs clear at the tap.
    If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.

If you are still experiencing problems with water quality or pressure after a flushing event, please contact the City of Tualatin Water Division at 503-691-3091.