Spring Hydrant Flushing Begins Today

The Montclair Water Bureau will be conducting its 2014 spring hydrant inspection and flushing program beginning next week: 

The Low and High Service Areas will have hydrants flushed during daytime hours beginning Wednesday, April 16. The flushing will be conducted Monday through Friday, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The Middle Service Area will have hydrants flushed during nighttime hours beginning Monday, April 21. The flushing will be conducted Monday through Friday, between 10 in the evening to 5:00 the following morning.

• HIGH SERVICE AREA: section west of Upper Mountain Avenue and South Mountain Avenue to Cedar Grove and Verona town lines. Starting first from Watchung Avenue, working north to the Little Falls town line. Second from Watchung Avenue working south to West Orange.
• LOW SERVICE AREA: section East of Grove Street/Elm Street to Glen Ridge town line. Starting from Mount Hebron Road and working south to the West Orange township line. 
• MIDDLE SERVICE AREA: section from Grove Street west to Upper Mountain Avenue and South Mountain Avenue. Starting first from Watchung Avenue, working north to the Little Falls town line. Second working from Watchung Avenue south to the West Orange township line.

The purpose of this program is to flush water mains, removing accumulated sediment in the lines and to operate, lubricate and test fire hydrants to insure adequate fire protection.

There may be unavoidable discoloration of water and some loss of pressure during flushing times in your area. Discolored water could occur at any time during the flushing period but more likely when hydrants are flushed in your neighborhood. This will be temporary and should clear up within a short time.

If you experience discolored water, open the cold water faucets on the lowest floor of the house and allow the water to run until it clears (usually within 30 minutes). Discolored or cloudy water is potable, but not desirable to use.

Residents are reminded to make sure that their water is running clear before washing laundry.