When does the City flush the fire hydrants?

To purge rust and stagnant water from the water distribution system and identify hydrants in need of maintenance, the Utilities Division of the City of Edina's Public Works Department will flush hydrants for four weeks in May. Random hydrants are also flushed throughout the year as weather and water demand allows.


Due to the hydrant flushing, it is inevitable that some residents will receive rust-colored water that could stain laundry, but it is safe to drink. You should check for signs of discoloration prior to washing clothes. If the water is discolored when you turn on your tap, simply run the water until it is clear. Because the water system is a “single-pressure zone,” it is possible that red water problems will occur in any area of the City while flushing is occurring.

Show All Answers

1. What is the quality of Edina’s water?
2. What is the hardness of Edina water and what is the recommended setting for my water softener?
3. Does the City of Edina have watering restrictions?
4. Sometimes my water smells like bleach. Why? Is that harmful? What can I do to rid the water of that smell?
5. When does the City flush the fire hydrants?
6. How long does it take after flushing hydrants for my water to run clear?
7. My family from out of state says my water tastes different. Can that be true?
8. I want my water tested. Where do I take it?
9. I have orange spots on my white laundry. Are the clothes ruined?
10. Is “biodegradable” material “flushable” material?
11. Why do you flush all the hydrants on my street? Wouldn’t one or two suffice?
12. I had water shooting up out of my lower-level toilets and a sewer gas smell. What happened? Who's going to clean it up?
13. What should I do if there is water bubbling out of the street or from my yard?
14. What is the difference between a water main and a service line?
15. What happens when a sewer backs-up?