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

Hydrant flushing is part of the City's annual maintenance and 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. On occasion, the water in your home or businesses may have an orange or rusty appearance. The water is safe to use and drink, but it can cause stains to laundry if the discoloration is not first cleared from the lines. If this occurs, products like “Rover" can help remove temporary laundry coloration. The water discoloration is being caused by iron sediment in the water main being disturbed by the hydrant flushing. If this occurs, please run your COLD water for several minutes and flush your toilet to clear your lines. Please do not run hot or warm water, as this forces the discolored water into the water heater, mixing it with clear stored water. If you do get rusty water in your hot water tank, it is necessary to drain the hot water tank per the manufacturer's instructions.

To view the areas currently hydrant flushing, as well as those on the schedule to flush next, see the Hydrant-flushing map.