Fort Collins Utilities will flush the water distribution system beginning Monday, April 3, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, for approximately eight weeks (weather permitting). Flushing helps maintain water quality and keeps our water fresh. When flushing downtown, crews will begin at 5 a.m. in order to be out of the area as quickly as possible.
Flushing Locations (Boundaries)
Crews will begin on Mason Street and College Avenue, including the Downtown area, and progress eastward to Northern Lights Drive (just past Ziegler Road), with Willox Lane as the northern boundary and Harmony Road as the approximate southern boundary. Please be cautious of people working in the streets and observe traffic diversions. A map of current flushing locations will be available at fcgov.com/hydrantflushing.
How it Works
When flushing, fire hydrants are opened and water is pushed through at high speeds, cleaning the pipes and removing the sediments that can affect the water’s taste and color. Flushing is a proactive and essential component of our preventative maintenance program and allows crews to assess the condition of the water distribution system and fire hydrants during the process.
Cloudy Water
Sometimes the sudden rush of water can stir up sediments in the pipes and cause the water to become cloudy or discolored. These sediments are not harmful, but they may stain laundry. If you experience cloudy or discolored water, wait until the nearby flushing is complete, remove faucet aerators or filters and run the COLD water until it clears. This water can be used on plants or landscaping.
While flushing doesn’t typically interrupt water service, it can happen on occasion. A loss of water pressure is more common.
For more information, visit fcgov.com/hydrantflushing, email [email protected], call 970-212-2900 or V/TDD 711.