Residents of Blaine, it’s that time of the year again when the city ensures your tap water is clear of any unwanted guests. Starting May 5th, Blaine Public Works will kick off its annual fire hydrant flushing, a routine process to not only maintain water quality but to also confirm that all hydrants are ready to function when they're needed most. According to the City of Blaine's official announcement, this vital task is set to span across two weeks, extending into the week of May 12.
For those new in town, here's the drill: fire hydrants will be opened to forcefully increase water flow, which does two things – it purges the system of sediment buildup, and it gives you, the resident, a chance to see any potential discoloration in your water. It’s not uncommon, then, to witness a temporary dip in water pressure or to find your water looking less than crystal clear. Before raising an eyebrow, just let the cold water tap run until it decides to come clear. And while it might not win any beauty contests, this water, the City of Blaine assures, “is safe and can still be used for watering plants and landscaping.”
The flushing sequence, while not exactly a spectator sport, does impact the streets and, by extension, the traffic. So, to all drivers out there, keep an eye out; the city's crews will be hard at work, and they will appreciate not being part of any unwelcome surprises. To avoid interruptions in your commute, be sure to look out for any posted traffic signs or worksites.
Should you have questions or find yourself curious about the finer points of how this whole flushing business works, the city has got you covered. They've compiled a handy guide complete with FAQs on their website – just click your way over to the Blaine Public Works water distribution system flushing page and you'll be to quickly find all the answers you seek. So, as the city gears up to flush away the muck, take a moment to appreciate the work that goes into keeping our water safe and our hydrants vigilant, ready to stand guard against fire's threat, whenever it may so choose to arise.
