Hydrant Flushing For Pittsfield Resumes Monday, May 10

Ready for more discolored water? If you live in certain areas in Pittsfield, then you will be experiencing some issues with weirdly colored water next week.

As the City of Pittsfield along with the Mayor's Office tells us, week 3 for the flushing of Pittsfield's water system begins on Monday, May 10. Water mains throughout the city will be flushed through hydrants to remove accumulations of pipeline corrosion products.

There are many good reasons for the flushing of fire hydrants at least once a year. First, it verifies that the hydrant is working properly. Second, it ensures that water flow will be available for city firefighters if needed. And third, flushing removes the sediment that naturally occurs in water pipes.

The flushing of hydrants for next will occur Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the following areas:

• Several locations along Park Street, King Street, and Onota Street near Von Nida
  Street, Walnut Street, West Housatonic Street, Fort Hill Avenue, South Street, and
  Velma Avenue.
• All of West Housatonic Street from South Street to Callahan Drive and all
  neighborhood streets in-between (i.e. Boylston Street, Cadwell Road, Lebanon
  Avenue and Cole Avenue).
• West Street from Park Square continuing to Fort Hill Avenue and all neighborhood
  streets in-between.
• Several locations along Center Street, Valentine Road, Pecks Road, Thomas Island, Upper North Street, outer Wahconah Street, Lakeway Drive, and Linden Street.
• Hancock Road starting at North Street intersection which would include the
  Highland and Ridge avenue neighborhood.

When hydrant flushing occurs in your neighborhood, you may notice slightly yellow, orange, or brown-colored water coming from your faucet. If this happens, simply run your cold water tap for three to five minutes. If this doesn't fix the problem, wait 30 minutes and run the tap again.

By the way, if the water is discolored, it does not pose a health or safety risk. One thing to keep in mind though. You should probably avoid doing laundry while hydrant flushing is being conducted in your area. The flushed debris and sediment could totally ruin white clothing.

It's usually beneficial to wait until the water runs clear at the tap and then try washing a load of dark clothes first. If discolored water or low-pressure conditions persist, please contact the Water Department at 499-9339. They apologize for any inconvenience during this time.