(Please note: you should check the schedule frequently as dates will be made more specific and/or may change due to weather or other factors)
TRY TO LIMIT USING WATER DURING THE FLUSHING PROCESS. When a resident uses their water while the hydrant on their street is being flushed, they might bring the discolored water into their home. The streets surrounding those being flushed, may also experience discolored water. Let your COLD water run and the discoloration should disappear. The discoloring is just sediment and while it is safe to drink, it just isn’t too appealing. See more tips below.
March 21st- Kingcrest Terr, Lind Terr, Thompson Dr, Hurley Dr, JFK School, Alfred Terr
March 23rd- Tucker Terr, Milton Terr, Young Terr, Delorey Dr
March 24th- O’Connor Dr, Plain St, Hollis St, Petipas Ln, Howard St, Fernandez Cir
March 28th- Cullen Dr, Prospect Ave, Fernandez Cir, Wilmarth Rd, Hart Cir
March 30th- Hayward St., Petipas Ln, Orrin White Dr, Wilmarth Rd, Morton Rd, Fairfield Rd, Wyman Rd, Lancaster Rd
March 31st- Center St, Fencourt Ave, Union Sq, South St
April 4th- 8th- No flushing
April 11th- South St, Castleton Ave, Carleton Ave, Restarick Ave, Tileston Rd
April 13th- Reisner Rd, Boothby Cir, Truelson Dr, Maple St
April 14th- Maple St, Mark Terr, Lantern Ln, Darrell Dr, Old Mill Ln
April 18th- Van Beal Rd, Terry Dr, Lou Courtney Dr, Richard Rd
April 20th- Woodland Pkwy, Selwyn Rd, McElroy Way
April 21st- Corp. J L’Heureux Cir, Stoughton St, Fitch Terr, Bayberry Ln
April 25th- Beverly Terr, Gerald Ave, Virginia Cir, Crickett Ln
May 2nd- Cedar Cir, Millhouse Ave, Lori Ln, West Druid Hill Ave, Bonnie Ln, Joyce Cir, Gallagher Dr
May 4th- Nightingale Cir, McDonnell Dr, West Alden Ave, West Patterson Ave, East Englewood Ave
May 5th- East Alden Ave, North Richwood Ave, East Druid Hill Ave
May 9th- Quarry Rd, Katy Cir, Madison Ave, Woodlawn Rd
May 11th- North Glenway Ave, Fern Ave, Frederickson Dr, Oakwood Ave
May 12th- Karen Dr, Acorn Dr, Kristen Rd, Kathleen Rd, Kimberly Ln
What is Unidirectional Flushing (UDF)?
It is a method of cleaning the water mainlines through a network of flushing sequences with the water being discharged from a fire hydrant. A UDF program involves closing valves in a specific sequence to create water movement in one direction while opening specific hydrants at the end of that sequence.
Maintaining the flushing sequence is important so that the water used in the flushing sequence remains clean. The UDF technique allows higher water flow velocities by isolating certain sections of water mains. This higher water velocity allows for better scouring of pipes and will use 40% less water in the flushing process than traditional flushing. The flushing of the pipes will dislodge and remove mineral deposits, sediments and biological deposits that accumulate in the water mains. To view a sample Unidirectional Flushing Plan, please click here.
HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS during the hydrant flushing program and what to do if your water turns discolored:
TRY TO LIMIT USING WATER DURING THE FLUSHING PROCESS. When a resident uses their water while the hydrant on their street is being flushed, they might bring the discolored water into their home. The discoloring is just sediment and while it is safe to drink, it just isn’t too appealing.
The best way to purge your home of the discolored water is to run cold water until the water runs clear. We suggest using the bathtub faucet because it flows more water. The water should run clear within 15-20 minutes but may last until more people in your neighborhood run their water to help move the discolored water out of the system.
AVOID THE USE of appliances that use water such as dishwashers and washing machines during the flushing process. Also, we recommend that you turn off any ice makers and do not use the water dispenser feature on your refrigerator as it can clog the filters.
PLEASE DO NOT RUN HOT or WARM WATER, as this forces the discolored water into the water heater, mixing it with clear stored water. If you do get rusty water in your hot water heater, drain the hot water heater per the manufacturer's instructions.
If you have aerators on your faucets you might want to rinse them out in case the screen caught any debris during the flushing process.
If your laundry becomes discolored from the use of rusty water, products like “Rover" can help remove temporary laundry colorization.
For MASS DEP - Water Main Flushing FAQ for Consumers, please click here
To view a video on the Hydrant Flushing Process, click here.
For questions and concerns, you can call the DPW Office at 781-961-0942