Community Corner

DPW Flushing Hydrants This Week

System flushing could produce discolored water.

Residents may see some brown water coming from their taps next week, but rest assured, that’s the plan. 

Through this Friday, the Department of Public Works water and sewer division will begin flushing the town’s 1,200 hydrants, which will loosen sediment that has built up in the main water lines over the winter, according to water and sewer division superintendent Joe Duggan. The flushing will take place each day between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m, though a DPW flier indicates it could go begin earlier and end later depending on the day.

Duggan said the flushing could affect water pressure, but mostly will show up as discolored water in homes.

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“Basically, I wouldn’t do the laundry,” Duggan said in an interview in 2011, noting that the discoloration is mostly due to iron and manganese mineral deposits. “It’s the sort of thing that can clearly stain laundry or dishes.”

Duggan said residents should hold off on using the water until after 5 p.m. during the flushing period, and to check the cold water periodically to make sure it’s clear.

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The DPW flushes hydrants twice a year, once in April and once in October.


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