Danvers To Begin Annual Hydrant Flushing Next Week

DANVERS, MA — The annual Danvers water flushing program is set to begin on Monday and last for the next five weeks.

Flushing will begin in the northwestern part of town at the Middleton line next week and proceed in a southeasterly direction toward Danversport.

Flushing may not take place on some days because of freezing temperatures and other weather factors.

Flushing is usually completed every spring to remove sediment that has settled and collected in the system during the past year.

It will take place each day using a combination of workday hours (3 to 7 p.m.) and weeknight hours (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Some busier parts of town may have flushing in the early morning hours from 3 to 7 a.m. to minimize traffic disruption.

Flushing on the first section is set for between Route 62 and Route 114 from the Middleton line to Route 95, which will last for about three days.

Residents may notice some water discoloration during this time. Residents are asked to limit water consumption during the flushing period and to run cold water from a tub spigot or sink faucet at the highest point in the home for about 15 minutes after it has been completed.

If the water does not clear up, wait 30 minutes, and try again.

For those who run water from a fixture that is serviced by an in-home water filter, they may require cleaning/replacement. Any lasting problems should be reported to the Water Division at 978-762-0235.

A real-time map is available on the town's web page to see where the flushing is occurring and how it is progressing.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)