Hydrant Flushing & Valve Turning Program

The Waukee Water Department flushes fire hydrants annually from spring through fall. The hydrants are flushed once every three years, rotating areas to cover a third of the City each year.

The program consists of cleaning water mains through a network of flushing sequences with water being discharged from hydrants' largest ports. It involves closing valves in a specific sequence to create water movement in one direction with opening specific hydrants at the end of each sequence. The flushing program ensures the greatest quality of water throughout the entire system. This technique allows higher water flow velocities to produce better scouring of pipes. This process will dislodge and remove mineral deposits which have accumulated in the water mains.

Benefits

The benefits include maintaining and improving the water quality level in the water mains. The flushing program will also reduce bacteriological growth, restore disinfection residuals, improve color, and turbidity, control corrosion, and will help restore fire flows and pressure in the distribution system.

Discolored Water

Discoloration in the water may appear. All water users should check their cold water for discoloration prior to cooking with water or running dishwashers, etc. If discoloration is found, the water user is advised to discontinue use until the water is clear. This can be accomplished by letting cold water run until it is clear. Discolored water is not harmful to your health.

The flushing will take place during the hours of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. There may be a slight drop in water pressure. Otherwise, service should not be affected.