City begins hydrant flushing, issues street closure alert

Home City News City begins hydrant flushing, issues street closure alert
The city expects to complete the process by the end of the week. Courtesy | Facebook
The city expects to complete the process by the end of the week. Courtesy | Facebook
The city expects to complete the process by the end of the week. Courtesy | Facebook

The city of Hillsdale began its fall fire hydrant flushing on Monday, Oct. 4, and expects to complete the process by the end of the week. 

The process, conducted by the Board of Public Utilities, helps the city provide optimal fire protection by checking water flow and removing built up sediment. 

“The hydrant network provides fire protection to homes and businesses. Keeping each hydrant in proper working order calls for regular maintenance,” according to a BPU press release. “Each spring and fall, BPU performs a preventive action known as hydrant flushing, which verifies the system has adequate water flow. It also serves a secondary purpose in removing sediment that naturally accumulates in water mains. Flushing it out of the system helps uphold the high water standards the city strives to maintain.” 

Most residents should not experience drops in water pressure, and if one occurs, it should be brief, according to the BPU. 

Potential water discoloration should also be temporary and is not harmful, according to the city. 

“The flushing process can stir up sediments and minerals in the water mains, which could occasionally result in some short-term cloudy water conditions,” the press release read. “The temporary discoloration only affects the appearance of the water and does not pose any health risk. If you experience discolored water, flushing cold water from the tap for a few minutes until the water is clear again should alleviate this condition.”

There is no detailed schedule of when each hydrant will be flushed, but questions can be directed to the Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities at 517-437-3387. 

The city also issued a temporary street closure alert for North Howell Street, between Bacon and McCollum streets as the BPU replaces service lines. The closure began Monday, Oct. 4 and is expected to last through Friday, Oct. 8. 

“The City of Hillsdale will have detour signage posted to route traffic around this project,” a press release stated. 

The BPU encouraged residents to not let the road closures interfere with supporting local businesses. 

“We encourage the community to continue to patronize our downtown business in this area during this time, as they will remain open despite the street being closed to traffic. Many have back entrances facing the Midtown Parking Lot that can be used for access.”