87th CES issues hydrant flush schedule Published April 18, 2013 By 87th Civil Engineer Squadron JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 87th Civil Engineer Squadron flushes the fire hydrants every spring and fall through the base operations contractor, Pride Industries. The hydrant-flushing program is very important to the maintenance of the bases water distribution system. It is not uncommon for a yellow, brown or reddish tint to appear in the water during this process. Harmless mineral deposits settle in the water mains and flushing the system stirs the deposits causing the discoloration. Flushing removes the sediments from the mains and also serves the following purposes: - Improves water quality in the distribution system. - Verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves. - Helps find weaknesses in the water system. - Checks for closed valves and weak flows in the water mains. - Verifies adequate fire flows for firefighting. What should I do when the flushing is in my area? If you see the Pride Industries crew flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water and using the washing machine or the dishwasher until the flushing is completed. Drive carefully if you see the flushing crew working in the area. What could I expect before and after flushing? - Tap water could come out discolored and contain sediment if is used during flushing. Shut the water off and wait several minutes if you encounter discolored water. Check the clarity by running cold water for a few minutes allowing new water to work its way into your pipes. If the water is clear, it's okay to use. If not, wait a few more minutes and check again. In some cases, there may be slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water; it does not affect the taste or water quality. - The water may also have a milky appearance. This is due to tiny air bubbles and will dissipate and is not harmful. - Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, then wash a dark clothe loads first. Hot water tanks can hold discolored water for some time after the cold water runs clear. - If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles. There may be a temporary drop in water pressure. - Flush your hot water tank, by running the hot water tap for a few minutes after the cold water clears. - You may notice a more pronounced chlorine taste or odor in the water during springtime flushing. This is because free chlorine has a more noticeable chlorine taste and odor. This will dissipate when water is left in an open container in the refrigerator. Letting water in a glass sit for a moment will also take care of air bubbles that are stirred up during flushing and cause the milky appearance. Hydrant flushing is set to occur between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on the following days: April 21-22 Areas: · 01-99 · 0100 · 0200 · 6000 April 23-25 Areas: · 5900 · 6500 · 6600 April 26-28 Areas: · 5200 · 5400 · 5500 April 29 through May 1 Areas: · 6700 · 6800 · 6900 · 5600 May 2-4 Areas: · 5100 · 5300 · 2200 · 3100 May 5-7 Areas: · 3200 · 2100 · 3600 · 3500 May 8-10 Areas: · 3400 · 3300 · 4100 · 4200 May 11-13 Areas: · 0800 · 1500 · 1600 · 1100 · 1200 · 1400 · 7200 May 14-16 Areas: · 4300 · 4400 · 8100 · 8300 · 8400 · 3300 May 17-19 Address any Areas still needing attention.