RSV Hydrant Flushing to Begin 11/4/21

November 3, 2021News

11/5/21 Update: The flushing of the hydrants on the West side is being delayed until Monday, Nov 8th.

Notice of Hydrant (Fire) maintenance for the Roaming Shores Village water system will begin Thursday November 4th and will continue until all Hydrants have been flushed.   The estimated completion date is Saturday November 6th.   During the maintenance period, hydrants will be flushed and tagged for repair or replacement.   This process of periodically flushing fire hydrants is an important preventive maintenance activity.  This allows employees of Roaming Shores Village Utility Department (RSVUD) to test hydrants for flow and operations.  Flushing, although it may appear to waste water provides RSVUD the means to clean refresh the entire water distribution system.  By discharging a large volume of water through a fire hydrant, water flow within the pipeline is increased.  This increased flow scours the inside of the pipeline, removing and then transporting silt and mineral deposits out of the water system.  These procedures are necessary to maintain the integrity of the water system.  During the flushing process, it is not uncommon for a yellow, brown, or reddish tint to appear in the water.  Harmless mineral deposits settle in the water mains and flushing the hydrants stir the deposits sometimes causing a brief discoloration of the water.

We will be starting on Mill Creek Rd and working our way down Forman Rd. to our Water testing building next to Village Hall.  From there we will then work our way across the north side of the Lake and down the East side around to the water tower.  The West side of the Lake will be the last section starting on the north end and working to the water tower.

Here is what you should do if hydrant flushing is taking place in your neighborhood:

  • If possible, avoid using water while the hydrant flushing is taking place. By not using water from the tap (cold or hot) or running appliances that use water (dishwater and washing machines), you can prevent discolored water from entering your household plumbing system altogether.
  • If you encounter discolored water following hydrant flushing, run the cold water taps only.  DO NOT use hot water taps throughout you home at bathroom sinks, tubs, kitchen faucets, etc. for 5 – 15 minutes or until water clears.  This allows discolored water to work its way out of your household plumbing system.  By not using your hot water taps, this should prevent discolored water from entering your hot water system.   If you do experience discolored water on your hot side, flush in the same manner as the cold system.
  • Don’t do laundry while or shortly after flushing is taking place. The discolored water can sometimes stain fabrics. Wait until water runs clear at your taps before using your washing machine and wash a load of dark clothes first.
  • If laundry appears to be stained, keep articles wet.   DO NOT DRY….  Rewash load using a stain/rust remover (such as a product called “Rust Out”).   Do not use bleach on the stained laundry as bleach will “set” in the stain.
  • If after flushing your water pressure or volume seems low, clean faucet screens to remove silt and mineral sediments that could be obstructing water flow.  For more information or if you experience water quality problems lasting more than four hours following hydrant flushing, please contact Duane Helms (440) 805-9018.