Good news for Upper Arlington residents—hydrant maintenance is due to start the week of April 14 to keep the neighborhood safe and the water flowing when it's needed most. The City of Upper Arlington Fire Division is set to begin its annual task of fire hydrant flushing—which may seem mundane, but is critical to maintain the system’s readiness.
Practical work like hydrant flushing is essential but can occasionally lead to temporarily discolored water. Locals should be aware that crews will be out in force on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to thoroughly and efficiently carry out this maintenance. To help residents plan ahead, a detailed schedule and map showing daily crew locations are easily accessible here.
Luckily, most residents are not likely to see any difference in their water quality during this period. However, the Upper Arlington Fire Division recommends a few precautions for those who experience changes. Specifically, they suggest holding off on laundry when flushing is happening in your area to avoid any potential staining from discolored water.
For those tempted to power through and do laundry anyway, the possibility of murky water should give pause. It's better to be safe than sorry, so before you commit to washing that pile of clothes, "run water into a clear container to check for discoloration or sediment," and make sure to "let faucets run until the water is clear," as per the advice from the fire division shared by the City of Upper Arlington. And for an extra measure of caution, it's recommended to "run your washing machine partially filled to test for clarity, then drain the tub before doing a full load." The division’s guidance is clear, ensuring that the residents are informed and can preemptively handle any water quality issues they might face.
Should any unfortunate souls find their laundry sullied by the tap’s tint, there's a solution for that, too. Sopping wet clothes should be kept moist to prevent stains from taking hold. If mishap strikes, "cleaning products labeled as 'rust remover' or 'rust fighter'—available at most grocery and hardware stores—can help treat stained items," reiterates the fire division’s advisory. Although a minor disruption in the grand scheme of things, it's commendable to note how the City of Upper Arlington Fire Division is not just focused on the maintenance of fire hydrants but also on the households' well-being affected by the process.
