HYDRANT FLUSHING PROGRAM
2025 SCHEDULE North Park Water conducts its Hydrant Flushing Program twice a year, during the Spring and Fall, over a period of 1-2 weeks.
- South Zone: April 7-11, 2025
West of Hwy 251 – Bordered on the north by Brentwood Road and on the south by Windsor Road
East of Hwy 251 – Bordered on north by Swanson Road and on the south by Windsor Road - North Zone: Fall 2025
West of Hwy 251 – Bordered on the south by Brentwood Road and on the north by McCurry Road
East of Hwy 251 – Bordered on south by Swanson Road and on the north by Prairie Hill Road
We will be flushing the southern section of the system from April 7-11, 2025! For more information on where we are currently flushing, please view the map below!
HELPFUL LINKS
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO NOTE
- Hydrant flushing does not occur on Saturdays or Sundays.
- Specific dates will be posted when available and may be subject to change based on weather conditions.
WHAT TO EXPECT
During hydrant flushing, you may experience temporary water discoloration and a slight drop in water pressure. These conditions are harmless and temporary. However, to avoid any inconvenience, we recommend checking your water quality before doing laundry. Please avoid doing laundry when hydrants in your area are being flushed.
If you have any questions about the hydrant flushing program or the schedule for your neighborhood, please contact us via email or at 815-633-5461.
WHY DO WE FLUSH HYDRANTS?
Flushing can be an important maintenance technique to remove stagnant water, restore disinfectant residual, remove loose deposits, and scour pipe surfaces. Flushing can reduce water age and address water quality complaints. Flushing involves opening a distribution system connection and allowing water to discharge from the system. Depending on public water system (PWS) needs, flushing is performed on a scheduled or unscheduled basis. This fact sheet is part of EPA’s Distribution System Toolbox developed to summarize best management practices that PWSs, particularly small systems, can use to maintain distribution system water quality and protect public health.
WHEN DO WE FLUSH HYDRANTS?
North Park Water generally flushes the distribution system in zones. These zones are separated into the north and south sections of the NPW service area. Each zone is flushed at least annually. With additional hydrants being flushed on a more frequent basis.
- Flushing may be performed as part of a regular maintenance program to scour pipe surfaces and remove loose sediment, biofilm, and scale.
- Flushing may also be performed in response to low disinfectant residual, positive coliform results, evidence of nitrification, or customer water quality complaints about turbidity or other aesthetic issues.
- Benefits of flushing can include removal of stagnant water, reduced distribution system water age, increase disinfectant residual, lower heterotrophic bacterial counts, and lower concentrations of disinfection byproducts.
- Depending on the technique used, flushing might only result in an exchange of bulk water and not removal of sediment, biofilm, or scale.
- Depending on flushing velocity and method, flushing can loosen and mobilize sediment in the pipe without fully removing it.
