Why do we flush hydrants?

There are two reasons for the flushing of fire hydrants. One is to remove naturally occurring sediments that settle in the bottom of water mains. The second is to verify the proper operation of fire hydrants. Discolored water may be drawn into your home or business if it is used when we are flushing or immediately after flushing. The discolored water comes from the minerals and deposits that are dislodged during the flushing process. The discolored water is NOT harmful to drink, but it could cause laundry stains. If you notice discolored water, run your water for several minutes until it is clear before doing any laundry. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call the New Haven Public Works Department at 260-748-7056.