The City of Ironton will be flushing hydrants next week, starting on Monday.

Flushing is done twice a year to provide regular maintenance to the water distribution system.

Since most of the water mains throughout the city are metallic, corrosion occurs over time which creates a buildup of rust, which in turn, must be flushed regularly to minimize discolored water during high usage events.

“The City of Ironton is now on a schedule of flushing two times a year. Flushing week may serve as a maintenance reminder for citizens to do what they can to improve water quality as well,” said Ryan Watts, the superintendent of the Ironton Water Treatment Plant. “While you may experience discolored water, it is a temporary issue. The goal is to improve water quality, not create an inconvenience for you. Thank you for understanding this necessary maintenance procedure.”

The flushing will be done on the following days and locations:

• Monday, Oct. 23 – Ninth Street to the hill side city limits and the south end city limits which will include the Ironton Hills shopping area, Yellow Branch/Deep Cut Road, and State Route 141 area.

• Tuesday, Oct. 24 – Seventh Street from Mill Street to Kemp Street and Eighth Street to the hill side city limits, and from Heplar Street to the South end city limits.

• Wednesday, Oct. 25 – Seventh Street from Kemp Street to South end city limits; all of Sixth and Fifth streets from Elm Street to Mulberry Street.

• Thursday, Oct. 26 – Fourth Street South end to Storms Creek and Fifth Street from Mulberry to south end city limits.

• Friday, Oct. 27 – First, Second, and Third streets to south city limit.

• Saturday,  Oct. 28 – From Storms Creek to north end city limits.

Flushing shall occur daily from the hours of 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

The flushing process will cause a discoloration of the water. Please consider the fact that if you use hot water during the period of discoloration, this water will be introduced to your hot water heater.

It is advised that homeowners take the opportunity to also drain and flush your hot water heater after main flushing has occurred. Water heater manufacturers recommend flushing of their units two times a year.