Dubuque’s Hydrant Flushing Project: What You Need To Know

Heads up, Dubuque! Starting April 1st, the City is rolling out a massive fire hydrant flushing project that's going to keep it busy throughout spring and summer. I know it can be irritating (washing a load of whites?) but, ensuring our water system is in top shape and ready for action when we need it most is vital to a healthy city.

First off, let's talk stats. Dubuque's Water Distribution Services are no joke. We're talking 330 miles of water mains, 8,008 control valves, and a whopping 2,606 fire hydrants. That's a whole lot of infrastructure to keep in check.

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Now, you might be wondering, what's the deal with all this hydrant flushing? Let's break it down. Hydrant flushing isn't just about giving those red fire hydrants a spa day – it's a crucial process that keeps our water flowing smoothly and our hydrants in top-notch condition. We're talking about regular inspections, flow tests, and maintenance to clear out any iron and mineral deposits lurking in our water lines, or worse yet, anything preventing water flow and pressure. It's like a spring cleaning for our local water system!

But here's the thing – while the city is flushing those hydrants, you might notice a few issues. Those include reduced water pressure and possibly some funky-colored water running from your taps. Don't panic! It's all part of the process. The discolored water won't hurt you, but as mentioned above, it could stain your laundry if you're not careful. So, if you see anything off-color (man, I'm good at these), just let your taps run for about five minutes until the water clears up.

If you happen to be dealing with more than just a temporary blip – like ongoing water pressure problems or persistent discoloration – give the City of Dubuque Water Department a shout at 563.589.4291 or visit them online. So, there you have it, Dubuque – get ready for some hydrant flushing fun beginning April 1st. It's all about keeping our water clean, our hydrants ready, and our city safe.