Columbus to start flushing hydrants in evenings

The Columbus City Utilities will begin flushing hydrants throughout the city from Monday through Sept. 17.

The purpose of the flushing is to remove iron and manganese sediment from the water mains. This sediment is completely safe from a health standpoint but can cause discoloration of clothing and other items if agitated and released in the water.

Customers may experience some discoloration of their water in sections of the city during hydrant flushing.

It is recommended that residents of areas that are having hydrant flushing refrain from washing laundry the evening of the hydrant flushing as well as the next morning.

Flushing will begin at 4 p.m. on each of the following evenings:

Monday (Sept. 14): Everything west of Haw Creek to the East Fork White River and south of U.S. 31 (National Road) to Water Street.

Tuesday (Sept. 15): Everything east of Haw Creek to U.S. 31 and all portions of the city west of the East Fork White River and Flatrock River (includes Woodside, Tipton Lakes, Brookside, etc.)

Wednesday (Sept. 16): Everything east of Haw Creek and north of U.S. 31 (National Road) including Everroad Park East, Flintwood, Hiker Trace, etc.

Thursday (Sept. 17): Everything west of Haw Creek and north of U.S. 31 (National Road) including Forest Park, Everroad Park West, Park Forest, etc.

Motorists are asked to use caution when approaching crews working on the project. If the water spray obscures your vision of the roadway beyond the hydrants, obey the directions of utility employees and wait for the process to be completed.

Parents are asked to keep children away from playing in the water flow or around the crews who are working.

Roads where the hydrant flushing is happening are generally open to all traffic, and motorists may not see children due to the water spray.