The City of Macomb Operations Division will begin their annual fire hydrant flushing program on October 1, 2024. It is anticipated that the program will last through the end of the month. Hydrants will be flushed on weekdays between the hours of 7:00am and 3:30pm.
Operations staff will start at the north end of Randolph Street, near the water plant. They will systematically move south and east during the first phase of the program. Once they reach the far eastern edge of the distribution system, they will come back to the center and repeat the process moving to the west. By following a set path through the distribution system, we can flush all the lines and freshen the water in the entire system.
The purpose of the program is to provide safe high-quality water to our customers. A flushing program can help maintain disinfection residuals in areas of low usage and remove minerals and sediment that might accumulate in the water distribution system. It also allows us to test the operation of each hydrant. This information is shared with the Macomb Fire Department.
Please be advised that flushing may cause some discoloration of water. This does not represent a health hazard. However, customers are cautioned to determine if the water is clear before washing clothes (or any other processing) as staining may occur. If you experience discolored water, avoid using hot water until discoloration clears and run your cold water for approximately 5-10 minutes to clear your service line.
If you do have any laundry damaged by discolored water, avoid drying the clothes. Rust remover can be picked up at the Public Works building located at 233 Center Street between the hours of 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Rust remover can also be picked up at City Hall at 232 E. Jackson St. between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Public Works Department regrets any temporary inconvenience you may experience; however, the flushing program is necessary to maintain a good water supply for both firefighting and domestic consumption.
