Marblehead Hydrant Flushing Begins May 8

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead residents should expect the possibility of discolored water in the morning the week of May 8 as the town begins its annual hydrant flushing.

Flushing will begin on Sunday night at 11 p.m. and will be conducted from midnight to 7 a.m. each morning. Those affected may have discolored water to start the next morning.

Flushing begins at the Swampscott and Salem town lines Sunday night and then proceeds toward downtown. Flow tests will take place Thursday night.

Residents who have discolored water should run their kitchen sink faucets until the water runs clean — which could take about 20 minutes.

Residents are advised not to use hot water or do laundry until the discoloration clears.

Those with questions can contact the Marblehead Water Department at 781-631-0102.

(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.)