Above: The DPW shared the schedule for hydrant flushing across town next week.
Every spring, Southborough “flushes” is fire hydrants for maintenance. This year, that work is slated for the end of this month and beginning of next.
If all go as scheduled, work will run Monday, April 28th through Friday, May 2nd between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm.
The Dept. of Public Works has confirmed the schedule will follow the same pattern as usual. (See image right, or click here for a pdf with the streets listed.)
Note: Weather or unforeseen issues can shift the dates further out, extending into the following week.
When Public Works flushes hydrants in your neck of the woods, you may experience a drop in water pressure and/or notice discolored tap water.
DPW Superintendent Bill Cundiff confirmed some important details to keep in mind when flushing happens in your area:
- Running hot water might pull sediment into your hot water tank. That’s why to avoid it.
- You should also avoid doing laundry because it can stain your clothes.
If you discover your water is discolored:
- The discoloration of the water is only temporary and does not indicate a problem with the water.
- Run your COLD WATER ONLY for a period of time and it should clear up.
- The water should run clear in 10-20 minutes (unless your service is very long, then it may take longer).
- A faucet or spigot closest to your meter is the best choice.
- High flow faucets such as an outside spigot or a bath tub faucet are also good choices.
- If you have aerators on your faucets you might want to rinse them out in case the screen caught any debris.
- If your hot water is discolored, it means that you pulled the sediment into the water tank. You should flush out your service with the cold water faucets and then, when you are sure you have purged the pipes in your home and everything is running clear, you should run your hot water and try to clear that up.
If you have any questions or concerns, call the DPW at 508-485-1210.
