Water-Main Flushing

To improve the quality of water coming out of consumers’ taps and fountains by eliminating “rusty” water, BNL’s water mains are flushed approximately three times a year. Done in accordance with American Water Works Association recommendations, fire-hydrant flushing is carried out over a week in the spring, summer, and fall by the Water Treatment Facility staff, who systematically open and close on site water hydrants, letting the water run until all sediment is carried out and the water is clear.

The hydrant-flushing schedule is announced beforehand, and water users are advised not to be alarmed if, during and immediately after hydrant flushing, their water looks “rusty.” If this happens, then run the water in your sinks, showers, and fountains until the water runs clear. In some places, you may have to run the water for 5 to 10 minutes.