Hydrant Flushing Wednesday In Brewster

BREWSTER, NY — Village officials remind residents that the spring hydrant-flushing is today.

The Village of Brewster supply source is ground water drawn from five sand and gravel wells.
The semiannual hydrant flushing purges the system of the accumulated settlement of these minerals suspended in the ground water.

Opening the hydrants and increasing the water flow causes the disturbance of this settlement so that it may be flushed from the system.

The fall hydrant flushing is scheduled to be on Oct. 4.

They offered a brief, informative Q&A:

What is it that makes the water turn orange when they flush the hydrant?

Minerals – Primarily Iron & Manganese

Does running the tap water make it clear up faster?

No. To the contrary, running the water prolongs the turbulence in the system. The best thing to do is use as little water as possible for 12 to 24 hours so the system has a chance to settle out and clear.

Why does my toilet run after hydrant flushing?

Sometimes tiny particulate gets caught under the flush valve seal in the toilet holding tank preventing it from sealing tightly. The same can be true for washers and aerators (strainers) in faucets. Make sure your faucets and toilets are not leaking and are unobstructed after hydrant flushing. If you have strainers on washer supply hoses you should also check them but refraining from doing laundry for a 24 to 48-hour period from April 21st is recommended.