Fire Hydrant Flushing This Week in Sunman

The project is an important part of maintaining the town's water system.

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(Sunman, Ind.) - Sunman Utilities will be conducting annual fire hydrant flushing throughout the community during the week of July 6-10. 

During flushing, Sunman residents may notice temporary discoloration of water, brief fluctuations in water pressure, and water that appears rusty or cloudy. 

The discoloration is typically caused by naturally occurring iron sediment that has settled in the water mains and is stirred up during the flushing process. While it may not look appealing, it is not harmful to your health. However, it can stain white or light-colored clothing if used in your washing machine before the water has cleared.

If you experience discolored water, don't be alarmed. Simply run cold water from a faucet for several minutes until it runs clear.

"Hydrant flushing is an important part of maintaining our water system. It helps remove sediment from the water mains, ensures hydrants are operating properly, and helps us continue providing safe, high-quality drinking water and reliable fire protection," reads a statement from Sunman Utilities. 

Helpful Tips: Before flushing your water, remove the aerator (screen) from the faucet you're using. This will help prevent sediment from clogging the screen. Once the water runs clear, replace the aerator.

Before doing laundry—especially white or light-colored clothing—please make sure your water is running clear to help prevent staining.