2024 Fall Hydrant Flushing Program Set to Begin in Newburyport

Photo byKristianonUnsplash

NEWBURYPORT, MA – The Water Department will begin its Fall Hydrant Flushing Program the week of September 23, 2024. This critical maintenance process, performed twice a year, helps ensure the quality of the city’s water supply by removing sediment buildup in the distribution system and allowing fresher water to reach the far ends of the network.

Flushing the system is essential for maintaining water quality. As water remains in the system over time, its quality decreases, which is why flushing is necessary to draw in newer, fresher water. According to Water Distribution Superintendent Dan Maguire, “Flushing is the most important water quality maintenance task that the Water Department performs.”

Residents and businesses in the affected areas will be notified before flushing begins. Notices will be posted in the Daily News, on signboards at various locations including High Street, Storey Avenue, and Spofford Street, and on the City’s website and social media platforms. The department will provide daily updates on where flushing will occur.

However, as the system is flushed, some disruption is inevitable. Customers may experience dirty water entering their homes during the process. Unfortunately, once flushing begins, it cannot be stopped, and the department advises that water use during this time may draw sediment into homes. The Water Department is committed to responding promptly and transparently to customer complaints during the flushing period.

Superintendent Maguire has assured residents that efforts are being made to make the process more efficient and quicker, but flushing still takes time to complete. The Fall Flushing Program is expected to last about one month.

For more information, residents can access the press release on the Fall 2024 hydrant flushing program and an FAQ guide on Water Main Flushing for Consumers issued by MassDEP on the city’s website. Any questions related to the process can be directed to the Water Department’s Business Office at 978-465-4420 or by email at wsbilling@newburyportma.gov.

The information for this article was sourced from the Newburyport Water Department.