The Public Works Department will begin its annual fire hydrant flushing program on Wednesday, March 27. The first areas of hydrant flushing will take place in the central part of the city and in west Ames around the Ames Middle School area. Flushing takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To watch the progress in real time, go to www.cityofames.org/hydrants

to view the hydrant flushing map.

As hydrants are flushed, the red dots indicating hydrants will turn green.

The goal of this annual program is to provide Ames residents with the safest and highest water quality. Flushing serves the following purposes:

• Dislodges and removes mineral deposits and sediments from the water mains.
• Verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves.
• Helps identify weaknesses in the water system.
• Checks for closed valves and weak flows in the water system.

Ames residents are urged to use caution when traveling near flushing crews as water may accumulate in these areas. Water service may be disrupted during the flushing process. Water in the vicinity of these activities may appear discolored as sediment is flushed from the system.

Residents should run the cold water tap for a few minutes to verify the clarity and avoid using hot water for things like dishwashing or laundry if water is discolored. If discoloration is apparent, residents should flush their household system by opening several cold-water taps at once until the water is clear. Outdoor watering or using exterior hoses can flush customer piping while still using water efficiently.

If discolored water causes staining problems, rust remover is available free of charge at the City Hall information desk, the Ames Water Plant, 1800 E. 13th St., all fire stations, or by calling 515.239.5550 during business hours, or 515.239.5150 after 3 p.m. For more information about hydrant flushing, contact Dale Weber between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. by calling 515.239.5551 or by email at dale.weber@cityofames.org.