HYDRANT FLUSHING

The city tells us that Hydrant Flushing is their best solution for the water quality problem while they work on a water treatment solution that is slated for Summer 2015. On the city's website they list information about the flushing including tips for dealing with the results of the flushing.

Reportedly, they are flushing the hydrants frequently, as complaints of discolored, smelly water flood their phone lines and in-boxes from the concerned residents and families. To our knowledge, residents are not notified of these hydrant flushings and are left to deal with the results of the flushing. Even with proper notice, not many people would willingly put up with this for two years while the city works out a real solution to the water quality issue. A solution that could be as easy as combining our water with the already city treated water of St. Boni. Hydrant flushing is not recommended in the winter months but we are told they are going to try and "give it a shot"

Below instructions from the city's webpage on how to deal with the hydrant flushings.

Before the flushing operation begins:

Fill a bottle or clean, plastic milk jug with fresh tap water and store it in the refrigerator to use for drinking and cooking.
Do NOT wash white or light-colored laundry during the flushing operations.

During the flushing operation:

Avoid using the dishwasher and washing machine.
Avoid using faucets (hot or cold) is possible. Wait until the operation is completed.

After the flushing operation is completed:

Open the cold water faucets and let the water flow until it is clear. Turn off the faucets.
Open the hot water faucets and let the water flow until it is clear. Turn off the faucets.
When both hot and cold water are clear, the water is ready for use as normal.
Check the faucet screens for trapped particles.
Wash a load or two of dark-colored clothes first.


NOTE: The city of Minnetrista flushed 41 MILLION GALLONS of our chemically treated water from the hydrants last year alone. 41 MILLION….