Discolored Water May Occur As Chatham Flushes Hydrants This Month

CHATHAM, N.J. – The Chatham Borough Department of Public Works will be flushing the town’s fire hydrants now through May 23, and as a result, residents may experience discolored water.

It’s not that big of an issue, officials said, and there are easy ways to fix it.

All residents need to do is let the water run until its clear. The discoloration comes from sediment in water mains that are stirred up when the fire hydrants are used and the flow of water in the mains is changed.

Each year, the Chatham Utilities Division flushes the water mains in the distribution system by opening hydrants, which is an essential part of the system maintenance program and helps to continue high quality water service.

Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Tony Torello, CPWM, Director of Public Works at 973-635-5242 or Peter Atkinson, Utility Foreman, at the same number.