The city of Ironton will conduct hydrant flushing operations during the week of Oct. 3-8. The purpose of the flushing is to provide regular maintenance to the water distribution system. As most of the water mains throughout the city are metallic, corrosion occurs over time.

This creates a buildup of rust, which in turn, must be flushed regularly to minimize discolored water during high usage events.

Flushing will occur daily from the hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m. While you may experience discolored water, this will be a temporary issue.

The flushing process will cause a discoloration of your water. 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 their hot water heater after main flushing has occurred.

Water heater manufacturers recommend flushing of their units two times a year. 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.

Monday, Oct. 3

Pick-n-Save Mall area, Yellow Branch/Deep Cut Road area, Indian Hills, Zenith Heights and 141 areas, Ninth Street from Washington Street to 10th Street from Adams Street to Ohio University, 11th Street and Maple area.

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Ninth Street from Kemp to Lorain, 10th Street from Kemp to Wyanoke, Liberty Avenue in the Ohio University area, 11th Street from Jones to Clinton, 12th Street from Kemp to Wyanoke, Muth Lumber area, Eighth Street from Lawrence to Wyanoke, Ninth Street and Center, Depot Square, Seventh Street from Vernon to Walnut, Seventh Eighth Ninth from Vernon to Mill.

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Seventh Street Pine to Wyanoke, Sixth Street Vesuvius to Clinton, Fifth from Quincy to Washington, Washington to Rock Avenue via Fifth Street.

Thursday, Oct. 6

Fifth from Chestnut to Lorain, Fourth Street from Sycamore to Wyanoke, Third Street from Vernon to Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Friday, Oct. 7

Third from Washington to Coal Grove, Second to Center and Vernon, Second From Orchard to Scott, Susan Court Area.

Saturday, Oct. 8

Bobby Bare Blvd, Campbell Street, Front Street Jefferson to Mastin, Green Valley Area, North End Fifth through First Streets.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Why does the water need to be routinely flushed?
A) The city water distribution system consists of 66 miles of piping. Sediment and deposits will occur naturally over time. If not removed, these materials will degrade the quality of water. Such a large amount of piping has areas with high flow, and areas of low flow. Flushing helps to move fresh water into the low flow areas.

Q) What should I do during the flushing?
A) Avoid using the water. While it is known that the water is safe and actually doesn’t taste different, it can discolor fixtures and laundry.

Q) What should I do after the flushing?
A) Check the clarity of your water at one sink or spigot. If it still has color, wait a few minutes and check it again. It is not recommended to open up all of your faucets in an attempt to clear it up. If the main hasn’t yet cleared up, you will just be filling your home, including your water heater, with the sediment we are trying to remove. When one faucet clears up, the rest can be used.

Q) What causes the color in the water?
A) Discoloration occurs from a chemical reaction between the minerals present in the water and the inside of the pipe. Flushing removes this by-product.

Q) This still seems wasteful, is there another reason to flush besides improving water quality?
A) Yes. Hydrant flushing is also hydrant testing. The importance of functioning fire hydrants goes without saying. Flushing is the opportunity to ensure fire protection is available as well.