Gladwin, MI

Why is it important to flush hydrants?

The City of Gladwin flushes hydrants as part of a preventative maintenance program. Flushing removes sediment that over time slowly builds up at the bottom of the mains. Flushing helps to ensure the integrity of the water supply system and verifies that the hydrants are working properly to allow ample water flow for firefighting needs. In addition to preventative maintenance, flushing the water mains improves the overall quality of water the City of Gladwin provides to its customers.

Is my water safe to use when flushing the hydrants?

Yes. The water is safe to use and consume during hydrant flushing. However, prior to hydrant flushing you may choose to collect some water in jugs or containers for everyday uses like drinking and cooking. The City of Gladwin highly recommends that you refrain from doing any laundry during flushing because it can discolor or stain your clothes. Try to plan accordingly and do your laundry prior to or after hydrant flushing is complete.

What to expect from hydrant flushing?

During hydrant flushing, you may experience temporarily reduced water pressure or flow along with a temporary discoloration of water. This is a safe and normal occurrence during flushing. Residents can expect their water to return to its normal state by the end of flushing.

 Why is my water discolored and is it safe?

Discoloration happens when mineral deposits are stirred up or dislodged and pushed through the water system from hydrant flushing or when there is a disturbance in the water supply. There are no health hazards associated with this process. However, please be aware that discolored water may stain laundry and other household items.

What to do if my water is discolored?

In the event discolored water gets drawn into the home, run the COLD water for a few minutes until the water runs clear. As a precaution, prior to using any hot water, run the cold water tap first for a few minutes to ensure discolored water doesn’t get drawn into the water heater.

What if I still don’t have good water pressure after hydrant flushing?

Check faucet aerators and shower heads for sediment. Sometimes after hydrant flushing, sediment that makes its way through can plug them up causing a reduction in water pressure or flow.

What if the water still isn’t back to normal after hydrant flushing is complete?

If your water isn’t back to its normal state after a reasonable amount of time and after trying the recommendations above, please call the DPW at (989) 426-6943.