Iowa City's Spring Hydrant Flushing Begins in March

During March and April, the Iowa City Water Division will be flushing fire hydrants. Fire hydrants are flushed in the spring and fall as part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program to insure that they are in good working order. This work will be performed during the weekdays from 7:00a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

You can determine when hydrant flusing is being performed in your neighborhood by going to the Iowa City website at ICGOV.ORG/WATER, check the maroon box with the heading "Hydrant Flushing Schedule". The box will be visible and updated daily, and throughout the day as needed when hydrants are being flushed.

When hydrant flushing is being performed in your neighborhood, you may notice rusty colored water in your home. The water is safe, but this discoloration may be a problem if you are washing laundry.

Here are some precautions you may take:

• If you notice discolored water coming from your faucet, let it run until the color clears.
• Wash laundry in the evenings or on the weekend, not during the times flushes are being performed.
• If by accident you do wash a load and rusty looking streaks appear on your laundry, do not use bleach to clean the articles as this will set them permanently. A product called "Iron Out" may be purchased at some hardware and grocery stores and has a successful track record in removing reddish iron stains from fabrics.

Weather permitting, the fire hydrant flushes will be performed for approximately two months. If you have questions or need further information please call the Water Division at 356-5166