BOPU Hydrant Flushing Starts Monday

City of Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) crews will test and flush fire hydrants beginning Monday, April 27, 2014.

During the next week, crews will flush hydrants in neighborhoods west of Interstate 25. Crews will also flush hydrants in neighborhoods south of Interstate 80 and west of Walterscheid Boulevard.

Due to the hydrant flushing, homes and businesses in these areas may temporarily experience discolored water. While the discolored water is not at Cheyenne’s usual standard of water quality, it continues to be safe, according to BOPU spokesman Clint Bassett.

Customers experiencing rusty or discolored water should run cold water from a faucet or outside hose for approximately 20 minutes. This will help clear the discolored water from the service line between the building and the water main. If the water doesn’t clear, call the BOPU at 637-6471.

People should avoid using hot water or doing laundry if the water is discolored. This will help keep sediment from being drawn into the water heater or onto clothes. When the water flows clear again, normal water use may resume.

The system-wide flushing is preventative maintenance used to improve water quality and flow rates prior to summer use. Releasing water at high velocities from hydrants scours and scrubs water mains. This dislodges films, removes sediments and deposits, and helps control corrosion. Because it scours and scrubs water mains, hydrant flushing may temporarily result in rusty or discolored water. The rusty color means the hydrant flushing is working.

While flushing hydrants, crews will also test water pressures and flow rates. Operating the hydrants makes sure they are ready, if needed, to protect the community from fires. The results of these tests will be used to help firefighters quickly identify flow capabilities.

Cheyenne has over 3,100 fire hydrants. Crews expect to flush half of the hydrants this year. It is an effort that may take approximately a couple of months.