Starting May 5, city workers will hit the streets at night to begin the annual spruce-up of the underground water mains, which means residents should brace for the sights and sounds of hydrants uncorked and water gushing forth. In an effort to shake loose mineral deposits that have cozied up in the pipes over the past year, the city's routine maintenance could lead to temporary bursts of rust-colored water from your taps.

This nocturnal activity is set to happen between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., aiming to keep daytime disruption to a minimum, as reported by GovDelivery. Wrapping up by May 10, city officials assure that no neighborhood will be left underwater, metaphorically speaking, as the work is set to move from one area to another throughout the week.

To prevent residents from being caught off guard by the sight of hydrants spewing, the city has put out a map showing where and when to expect the flushing frenzy. This spring cleaning for the city's arteries is critical for maintaining water quality, although it may initially lead to a change in taste and coloration of the liquid life force we take for granted.

Citizens are advised to check for rusty water before doing laundry – unless they’re fans of tie-dye chic, according to a city statement. Discolored water should not be used for washing clothes. "Run the cold water tap in your laundry tub until it clears," the city recommends for those encountering the murky aftermath of the flush. If your wardrobe does fall casualty to the waters, the city promises to play hero, delivering a special chemical to rescue your threads from the colorful abyss. For assistance, the stained-hearted can reach out to the public works at 952.924.2562.