09/26/2023
2023 Water Main and Hydrant Flushing Program
City of Glens Falls, NY
Water and Sewer Department
The water main & fire hydrant flushing program is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 25, 2023. Our water main & hydrant flushing program is particularly important to our water system. It is an integral part of our efforts to deliver the safest and highest quality water possible. A clean water distribution system also reduces taste and odor issues and results in better appearing water. Hydrant flushing also improves fire protection by testing water valves and hydrants. The flushing work is conducted in warm-weather months by Water and Sewer Department work crews, who systematically open and close fire hydrants on one section of main at a time, letting the water run at high velocity until sediment is carried out of the water main and the water is clear. Flushing starts at the northwest corner of the city and proceeds south towards the Hudson River.
Water service should not be disrupted during the flushing process. Flushing serves the following purposes:
• Flushing dislodges and removes mineral deposits that accumulate in the water mains.
• It flushes sediments from mainline pipes
• Flushing verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves
• Flushing helps us find weaknesses in our water system
• Flushing checks for closed valves and weak flows in the water mains
We schedule our flushing program during the months when water supplies are plentiful. We flush from larger mains first, and then move to smaller mains. The flushing route is carefully planned, and valves are opened and closed to control the direction of the water.
The program is typically a 10–15-day process but, changes to this timetable may be required, if maintenance issues should arise such as system leaks, water quality concerns, sewer problems, etc.
Flushing Notices will be printed in local newspapers and posted in municipal buildings. Areas being affected by the flushing process will have flushing signs placed throughout each neighborhood as a reminder approximately 24 hours in advance of when the fire hydrants in their neighborhoods are scheduled to be flushed.
Flushing will take place between 7AM and 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. We urge all residents to use caution while traveling around the hydrant flushing crews and while entering areas of water accumulation during this program.
When fire hydrants are opened, there will be temporary incidences of discolored water while fine sediment particles are flushed out. There is no health hazard associated with discolored water. Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate. To verify the water is clear, run the cold-water tap for a few minutes.
If you notice your water is discolored, run your outdoor hose or several cold-water faucets at the same time until the water runs clear. Avoid using hot water if the water is discolored. Avoid doing laundry until you are sure the water is clear. If laundry becomes stained by discolored water, do not dry or bleach the laundry, call our office at the number below for assistance.
Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated during this operation. If you wish additional information or would like to discuss this program with Water and Sewer Department staff, please contact the office during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at (518) 761-3850.
