Hydrant Flushing Program

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The annual hydrant flushing program will run Sunday, April 26 - Friday, May 8, 2026.

New! Hydrant Flushing Map

Stay up to date with the hydrant flushing program by using the interactive map.

View the hydrant flushing map

About the Hydrant Flushing Program

The program will begin Sunday, April 26, and run around the clock in order to flush the more than 2,500 hydrants in the City's system. All hydrants are flushed once a year to help clear the water lines of particulates that may build up over time. Crews also check the hydrants and valves for any operational issues which need to be addressed in order to keep the hydrants in good working order.

Residents may notice a brownish tint to their water after the hydrants in their neighborhood have been flushed. If so, run the water through a tap for a few minutes and it should clear up. Residents may also want to run their washer through a rinse cycle once before doing laundry.

Please contact the Westerville Department of Public Service at (614) 901-6740 with any questions, concerns, or help in determining when hydrants will be flushed. The Department is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FAQs

How is hydrant flushing done?

Hydrant flushing involves systematically opening fire hydrants in a specific area, allowing a strong flow of water to forcefully clear out sediment and mineral buildup from the water mains.
Is my water in my home safe to drink during hydrant flushing?

Yes, your water is safe to drink during hydrant flushing. There may be a temporary drop in water pressure during testing periods and in rare instances, water may become discolored after the hydrant flushing is completed.
What should I do if I experience discolored water after hydrant flushing?

In rare instances during hydrant flushing, sediment might cause your water in your home to become temporarily discolored. In this situation, water discoloration does not pose any health or safety risks. To clear the water, simply run the cold water tap for a few minutes until the water clears, then clean out any sediment that might be present in your sink. Please avoid using hot water until you have verified that your water is running clear. Using hot water when there is sediment present in your water could plug filters, discolor laundry or get trapped in your hot water tank.
Safety during hydrant flushing

If you see hydrant flushing crews in your area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other construction crew. When the hydrant valve is open, there will be a gush of water that should be avoided. Be vigilant, as pools of water may accumulate.
When is hydrant flushing occurring in Westerville in 2025?

The Westerville Public Service Department will be performing hydrant flushing and inspections beginning Sunday, April 27 with an approximate completion date of Friday, May 9. While every effort is made to complete the hydrant flushing within the stated window, there may be times where flushing may occur beyond the final day.
Who is doing the hydrant flushing?

Employees from the City of Westerville Public Service Department will be working together in crews to perform the hydrant flushing.
Why is hydrant flushing important?

Hydrant flushing allows crews to test the hydrants to ensure they are working properly and that they have ample flow for first responders. It also improves water quality by allowing a large volume of water to flow through the pipes, which dislodges and removes accumulated sediment and minerals.

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