The Town of Wellington Public Works Department is performing spring fire hydrant flushing and maintenance.
The department is utilizing a new method this year and will start work at the north end of Wellington, moving south through each subdivision in Town. There is no predicted end date for the project as crews are often working on other projects simultaneously, but workers aim to finish before irrigation season begins later in the spring and the demand for water increases.
Aside from the fact that state health officials recommend engaging in the process at least once per year, there are several reasons for hydrant flushing:
- To ensure water quality. Hydrants are all dead ends in terms of water flow. As a result, stale water builds up in the pipes running to them. Opening hydrants and allowing water to move through refreshes that stale water.
- To make sure all Town hydrants are working properly. Non-functioning hydrants aren’t just a maintenance concern, they are also a public safety risk. Checking them now helps ensure their availability when they are needed.
- To identify issues with non-working hydrants so they can be repaired. Allowing water to run through damaged hydrants helps Town workers figure out where the problems are so they can be fixed and the hydrants function properly again.
- To help keep hydrant drains open. The flushing process allows workers to check on any clogged drains. It also helps prevent drains from freezing during cold weather.
Residents may notice cloudy or rust-colored water along with a slight drop in water pressure in their homes while their neighborhood is being serviced. They may also notice excess water running through the gutters of their neighborhood during the same period.
These are normal effects of hydrant flushing and are not an indication of unsafe water or a problem with the flushing process.
Since crews began the project March 27, they have serviced the following neighborhoods:
- Buffalo Creek (March 27)
- Wellington Point (April 3)
- Wellington West (April 4)
For more information or to report any concerns, call (970) 568-3381, ext. 1, or go to http://www.wellingtoncolorado.gov/FormCenter/Administration-8/Report-a-Concern-71.