Spring Hydrant Flushing Helps Maintain High-Quality Water

Flushing Hydrants on a Rotating Schedule Pulls Fresh Water into the System

Cedar Falls Utilities is proud to provide high-quality water to our community. One important way we protect the quality of your water is through our semiannual fire hydrant flushing program, which will take place this spring. 

Hydrant flushing is a routine maintenance practice that helps ensure the reliable delivery of high-quality water. During flushing, CFU crews open and close select fire hydrants on a rotating schedule. 

This controlled flow removes water that has been sitting idle in water lines and pulls fresh water into the system. 

Discoloration Due to Naturally Occurring Minerals

You may notice temporary water discoloration in homes near areas where hydrant flushing has recently occurred. This discoloration is caused by naturally occurring minerals that can settle in pipes when water flow is low. It does not impact the safety of the water. 

However, we recommend residents avoid doing laundry when hydrants are being flushed nearby. If you notice discoloration in your water, simply run cold water from a faucet for a few minutes until it clears.

If clothes are washed in discolored water, keep them wet and contact CFU at 319-268-5332 to receive a special cleaning agent at no charge.

Flushing Schedule

Water Utility crews typically begin hydrant flushing in early April, but if we experience warmer temperatures this year, flushing may start as early as March. 

Hydrants are flushed Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn when flushing is scheduled in your neighborhood, visit cfu.net/hydrants throughout the season.

Routine maintenance like hydrant flushing is just one of the many ways CFU ensures we provide clean, high-quality water to our community.