Why are hydrants flushed?
Periodically, you will see Water Guy personnel releasing water from hydrants
. Hydrant flushing is necessary to test the hydrants to make sure adequate
flow and pressure is available. Flushing is also done to remove sediment
from the pipes in order to maintain water clarity and quality in the
distribution pipes.
Is my water safe to drink after flushing?
Your water is safe to drink. Occasionally, water becomes discolored
after hydrant flushing.If this happens, run your cold water tap for a
few minutes until the water clears.
How can I found out if hydrants will be flushed in my area?
Information regarding hydrant flushing can be obtained by
calling our OFFICE at 307-299-3544.
The Following Water Issues are easily Remedied
Rusty Water
As described in the previous section, fire hydrants are periodically opened to
flush water mains in the system. Additionally, Fire, Public Works Department
and Water Guy personnel routinely use hydrants to make assessments as to
whether adequate pressure and flow are available to satisfy normal system demands
as well as the increased demand required in the event of a fire. These actions,
as well as some construction activities, may result in brief periods during which
you may observe moderate discoloration in your tap water. In addition to following
the suggestions outlined previously, you should be aware that Water Guy is involved
in an aggressive water main cleaning that will in good measure reduce the
occurrence of this problem.
Cloudy / Milky Water
In the late fall and winter months the water that enters your homes
can be quite cold. When this cold water enters your home plumbing,
it is exposed to significantly warmer temperatures. This causes dissolved oxygen,
that can reach and significantly higher levels in colder water than in
warmer water, to escape in the form of “micro-bubbles” that can give water a
cloudy appearance. If a glass of this water is allowed to sit for a short period
of time the cloudy effect will dissipate.
White Particles in the Water
It has been determined that a number of hot water heaters manufactured
between 1993 and 1997 may have defective cold water supply dip-tubes.
These tubes are designed to direct the cold water entering the heaters to the
bottom, thereby forcing the previously heated water to the hot water outlet
near the top of the tank. The defective dip tubes have been found to separate
from the cold water inlet and, over time, disintegrate into minute pieces resembling
crumbled eggshells. This material can readily clog sink aerators and showerheads
but is said to be non-toxic.
Off-Taste
Over the years, numerous cases of off-taste complaints have been resolved
favorably when customers have been advised to disconnect out-door garden hoses.
Often these hoses, with nozzles attached, can be found in a collapsed condition.
It appears that in these cases, the rubber-like or plastic-tasting water that had been
in the hose could, under the right conditions, be pulled back into homes by partial
vacuum pressure.