Community Corner
Hydrant Flushing Begins This Week In Ames
The Public Works Department began its annual fire hydrant flushing program today.
3/25/2020 - 1:00 PM
Hydrant Flushing Begins Today
The Public Works Department began its annual fire hydrant flushing program today. Two crews are working from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in different parts of the city. One crew is concentrating on the Downtown Ames area working its way north. A second crew began at State Avenue and Mortensen Road and is heading west. Hydrant flushing will continue through the remaining areas of Ames over the next few weeks.
To watch the progress in real time, check out the hydrant flushing map at www.cityofames.org/hydrants on the City of Ames website. As hydrants are flushed, the red dots indicating hydrants will turn green.
The purpose of this annual program is to provide Ames residents with the safest and highest water quality. Flushing serves the following purposes:
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• Dislodges and removes mineral deposits and sediments from the water mains.• Verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves.• Helps identify weaknesses in the water system.• Checks for closed valves and weak flows in the water system.
Ames residents are urged to use caution when traveling near flushing crews as water may accumulate in these areas. Water service may be disrupted during the flushing process. Water in the vicinity of these activities may appear discolored as sediment is flushed from the system.
Residents should avoid using hot water for things like dishwashing or laundry if water is discolored. If discoloration is apparent, residents should flush their household system by opening several cold-water taps at once until the water is clear.
If discolored water causes staining problems, rust remover is available free of charge by calling 515.239.5550 during business hours, or 515.239.5150 after 3 p.m. For more information about hydrant flushing, contact Dale Weber between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. by email at dweber@cityofames.org or by calling 515.239.5551.
This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.