MWRA - City of Waltham/MWRA Hydrant Flushing Program

The Waltham Water Department, in cooperation with the MWRA, is conducting a hydrant flushing program. Hydrant flushing is needed to keep MWRA's water system and the city's water pipes running efficiently.

This work may cause temporary water discoloration in some parts of Waltham. This discolored water may stain light-colored laundry. Details below.

SCHEDULE AND AFFECTED AREAS

Work is scheduled take place late Tuesday, October 12 through early Friday, October 22. Work will be conducted 11:00 PM - 4:00 AM. Flushing activities will take place in a different neighborhood every 1-2 days. Check the map to find out if your area will be affected by this project.

	Estimated work schedule and dates of possible water discoloration (PDF)
	Map of neighborhoods affected by this program (PDF)

FLUSHING MAY CAUSE TEMPORARY WATER DISCOLORATION

On the day after your neighborhood's hydrant flushing, you may notice discolored water. The water will continue to be safe for drinking, cooking and bathing. Though the water is safe to drink, you will probably want to flush your taps clear of any discolored water. You should also avoid washing clothes in the discolored water as it may stain your laundry. Tips on how to flush your taps and protect your laundry follow.

FLUSH YOUR TAPS

Although the discolored water will be temporary and safe to drink, you will probably want to flush your taps on the day after your neighborhood's scheduled hydrant flushing. To do this, simply run each your faucets for several minutes (the water should eventually run clear) and flush the toilet a few times. You don't need to run all of your taps at once! It is recommended that you flush your taps once in the morning and once in the evening.

PROTECT YOUR LAUNDRY

Residents and businesses in the immediately affected neighborhoods (MAP) should avoid washing clothes for one or two days after flushing. Avoid washing clothes for one or two days after your neighborhood's scheduled hydrant flushing. Small amounts of iron in the pipes may cause stains in light colored laundry, especially when chlorine bleach is added. You may want to check water clarity by running the water for a short period of time before doing laundry. Should you find that your laundry has come out discolored, do not put it in the dryer. Instead, re-wash it with a special rust-removing laundry additive such as Red B Gone. Rust B Gone will be available free of charge for affected Waltham residents at:

Government Center, 119 School Street – Engineering Office Room 10
The Municipal Center, 167 Lexington Street – Water & Sewer Office.

Updated October 25, 2010