City of St. Charles sets spring hydrant flushing schedule
The City of St. Charles will be performing its spring hydrant flushing March 27 to April 28. Residents may temporarily experience rusty water while the flushing takes place.
As part of the regular maintenance to the city's water distribution system, the Public Works Water Division performs hydrant flushing in the spring and fall each year. Flushing helps to improve water quality by removing mineral buildup. Hydrant flushing also allows the city to ensure that the hydrants are ready for emergency use.
St. Charles is divided into four quadrants for hydrant flushing: northwest, southwest, southeast, and northeast. Main Street (Route 64) divides the north/south quadrants, and the Fox River divides the east/west quadrants. A map of each quadrant is available on the city website.
The spring 2017 hydrant flushing schedule will be:
• Northwest Quadrant: Monday, March 27 to Friday, March 31
• Southwest Quadrant: Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 7
• Southeast Quadrant: Monday, April 10 to Friday, April 14
• Northeast Quadrant (West of Dunham Road): Monday, April 17 to Friday, April 21
• Northeast Quadrant (East of Dunham Road): Monday, April 24 to Friday, April 28
Please watch for signs announcing hydrant flushing. Flushing may start as early at 5 a.m. and continue through 4 p.m.
Watch for rusty water
Please note water is safe to use and consume during hydrant flushing, however, residents may temporarily experience rusty colored water. Public works recommends residents take the following steps during hydrant flushing:
• It is best to limit your water use, if possible.
• If you experience rusty water, wait until flushing has subsided then run the cold water tap in your bathtub or utility sink until it runs clear (or in 10 minute increments).
• Remember rust colored water is safe, but it may stain laundry. If this happens, keep clothes wet and treat them with stain remover.
The city offers a stain remover at no cost to residents at the following facilities: Public Works, 1405 S. Seventh Ave.; city hall reception desk, 2 E. Main St.; and the police department, 211 N. Riverside Ave.
For information, contact the Public Works Department at (630) 377-4405 or pw@stcharlesil.gov.
About the City of St. Charles
Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 1,800 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle magazine in 2011; one of the "150 Great Places in Illinois," by the AIA Illinois; and one of the "Top 10 Towns To Live In" by West Suburban Living magazine. Visit www.stcharlesil.gov.