The Village of West Jefferson Water Department maintains approximately 200 hydrants throughout the Village.
Maintenance involves:
o Checking for visible leaks
o Testing water pressure, flow and operation
° Charging the hydrant to allow air to escape and the barrel of the hydrant to be filled with water
o Making sure that the hydrant drains properly so that it will not have water in the barrel during freezing weather
o Checking to make sure caps and valves are in working order o Clearing any brush or vegetation from around the hydrant o Repairing any broken or problem hydrants
While all hydrants are maintained, some hydrants are also flushed. Not every hydrant needs to be flushed, only the hydrants located at the end of a waterline (dead-end hydrants). This routine maintenance is necessary to maintain the integrity of the water system and continue to deliver the highest quality water possible to customers.
During this program, the Village will be using fire hydrants to discharge a large volume of water from the water system - essentially, flushing the water system.
1. To clean water lines
2. To ensure that they are working properly
By discharging a large volume of water through a fire hydrant, water flow within the pipeline is increased. This increased flow actually scours the inside of the pipeline, removing and then transporting silt and mineral deposits out of the water system. In addition, this process provides the Village of West Jefferson with the opportunity to assess the general condition of the hydrant and test for flow and operations.
During the flushing process, you may experience some water discoloration, especially when work is being done in your immediate neighborhood. As water is flushed through water lines and out the hydrant, silt and mineral sediment can cause water to become discolored. Once the hydrant flushing is complete, the water quality will return to normal.
Although the water may not be visually appealing, it is safe to drink and continues to meet all federal and state drinking water standards. There is no health hazard associated with the discolored water.
Fire hydrant flushing typically takes 15 minutes to several hours, but discolored water may last up to 4 hours.
Here’s what you should do if hydrant flushing is taking place in your neighborhood:
1. If possible, avoid using water while the hydrant flushing is taking place. By not taking water from the tap or running appliances that use water (dishwashers and washing machines), you can prevent discolored water from entering your household plumbing altogether.
2. Don’t do laundry while hydrant flushing is taking place. The discolored water can sometimes stain fabrics. Wait until water runs clear at the tap before using your washing machine, and wash a load of dark clothes first.
3. If you encounter discolored water following hydrant flushing, run the cold water taps throughout your home (bathroom sinks and tubs, kitchen faucets, etc.) for 5 to 10 minutes or until water clears. This allows discolored water to work its way out of your household plumbing.
4. If, after hydrant flushing, your water pressure or volume seems low, clean faucet screens to remove silt and mineral sediment that could be obstructing water flow.
For questions regarding the hydrant flushing program or if you experience water quality problems lasting more than four hours following hydrant flushing, contact Brian Farley at 614-379-5247