The Cold Spring Water Department will perform a hydrant flush beginning at 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. It will take place from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. and should be completed by the morning of Friday, May 26. During the hours of the flush, there will be periods of little or no water pressure and the potential for a period of discoloration each morning. Residents are advised to run their cold water until clear.
According to the Water Department, the high flow rate of water through the pipes (in some cases more than 1,000 gallons per minute) scours the interior lining of the aged distribution mains. This removes the sediment and buildup that is the main cause of discoloration. Second, it helps assess the condition of fire hydrants in the system to plan repair or replacement of fixtures.
