Portsmouth water customers may notice low pressure or colored water over the next several weeks as the city begins flushing fire hydrants across the system.
The Portsmouth Department of Public Utilities said hydrant flushing will begin Tuesday, Sept. 1, and continue through Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Flushing will begin at 6 p.m. on scheduled days and is expected to last approximately six to eight hours.
During that time, customers may experience temporary water loss, low water pressure, or discolored water.
That can be alarming if you turn on the faucet and the water looks rusty, cloudy, or just plain wrong. But the city says it is part of the flushing process.
Hydrant flushing is a normal maintenance practice. It helps clear sediment from water lines, keeps water moving through the system, checks pressure, and makes sure hydrants are working properly in case firefighters need them.
In plain language: the city has to stir things up for a while so the system works better afterward.
Once flushing is complete, customers should notice improved water service.
The flushing schedule includes areas across Portsmouth and surrounding service areas, including Sciotoville, Wheelersburg to Franklin Furnace, New Boston, Rosemount, Eden Park, Gallia Street areas, Wayne Hills, Mabert Road, Kinney’s Lane, Argonne Road, Scioto Trail, Coles Boulevard, Shawnee Road, the south and west ends of Portsmouth, West Portsmouth, Friendship, and high-pressure areas.
Residents may want to avoid doing laundry while flushing is underway, especially white or light-colored clothing, because discolored water can stain fabric.
If water appears discolored, let the cold water run for a few minutes after flushing in your area is finished. If it does not clear up, contact the Portsmouth Department of Public Utilities.
The city’s hydrant flushing dates are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, Sept. 1
- Thursday, Sept. 3
- Tuesday, Sept. 8
- Thursday, Sept. 10
- Tuesday, Sept. 15
- Thursday, Sept. 17
- Tuesday, Sept. 22
- Thursday, Sept. 24
- Tuesday, Sept. 29
- Thursday, Oct. 1
- Tuesday, Oct. 6
For questions, residents can contact the Portsmouth Department of Public Utilities at 740-354-7515.