St. Charles' spring hydrant flushing gets underway in April
Regular maintenance of the city of St. Charles's water distribution system includes annual hydrant flushing. Flushing, opening hydrants to allow water to flow rapidly through them, improves water quality and minimizes mineral buildup in the water mains. Hydrant flushing also ensures that hydrants are ready for emergency use.
St. Charles is divided into four quadrants for hydrant flushing. Main Street (Route 64) divides the north/south quadrants, and the Fox River divides the east/west quadrants. Flushing may start as early at 5 a.m. and continue through 4 p.m.
The spring 2015 hydrant flushing schedule:
• Northwest: Monday, April 13 to Friday, April 17;
• Southwest: Monday, April 20 to Friday, April 24;
• Southeast: Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1;
• Northeast (west of Dunham Road): Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8;
• Northeast (east of Dunham Road): Monday, May 11 to Friday, May 15.
There is a hydrant flushing map on the city website which shows dates areas will be flushed. You also may enter your address in "My Neighborhood" on the city's website for dates. Signs announcing hydrant flushing also will be posted prior to flushing.
Water is safe to use and consume during hydrant flushing. However, if the water appears rust colored:
• Limit water use.
• Once flushing has concluded, turn on the cold water tap until water runs clear.
• 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 at the following facilities: public works, 200 Devereaux Way; city hall, reception desk, 2 E. Main St.; and police department, 211 N. Riverside Ave. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at pw@stcharlesil.gov or (630) 377-4405.
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 2,100 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 No. 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.