posted on 9/20/2024

The City of Dover Community Services’ Utilities Division will begin its seasonal flushing of fire hydrants throughout the city starting Sunday, Sept. 22. Hydrant flushing will occur daily overnight from 8 p.m. through 6 a.m. from Sunday night to Friday morning for an estimated four to five weeks.

The city’s flushing program is critical for maintaining water quality and pressure throughout the distribution system. During the flushing, crews open select hydrants to move water through the system with enough velocity to scour the pipes and remove the buildup of any naturally occurring sediment and minerals. Water flushing also ensures fire hydrants are operational and allows public works to asses water pressure and flow for firefighting purposes. Flushing locations are indicated by the presence of city vehicles with flashing lights.

No water service disruption is expected, though there may be brief times of lower water pressure. Hydrant flushing can result in discoloration in tap water, but the water remains safe to drink. To remove discoloration, run the tap for several minutes until clear. If discoloration persists, customers can create an online service request anytime or contact Community Services during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 603-516-6450.