Hydrant Flushing Program

When?

The City of Ann Arbor Water Utilities Dept. conducts annual fire hydrant flushing beginning every spring and continuing on a weekly basis through the fall.

Why?

This annual maintenance is done to remove minerals and sediment that accumulate in the water lines over the course of a year. This preventative maintenance also allows us to check and record water pressure to ensure the water system is functioning properly.

What to expect:

During the hydrant flushing, you may observe a fire hydrant with water coming out of the side opening; and, on occasion, the water in your home may have an orange or rusty appearance. The water is safe to use and drink. The discoloration is caused by the iron sediment in the water main being disturbed by the hydrant flushing. If this occurs, please run your COLD water for several minutes to clear your lines. You should also flush your toilets once or twice. The water should run clear within a few minutes. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the hydrant flushing process, we will be happy to assist you. Please call the City of Ann Arbor, Field Services Division at 734.794.6350.

Hydrant Flushing

Areas of anticipated hydrant flushing activity

The city anticipates working on the hydrants in the areas in the attached weekly press releases, posted on the right column on this page. In addition, click here for a map of the areas to be flushed.

Subscribe to free e-mail updates of the hyrant flushing schedule by selecting the red envelope at the top right of this page.

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