The City of Houghton will begin the process of flushing hydrants in the city today. The undertaking is scheduled to be completed by August 9. Work on the hydrant system will take place between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. 

During the hydrant flushing process, water may look cloudy or discolored. This is normal, and officials recommend letting cold water run until the water is clear before using it. The City of Houghton apologies for any inconveniences, and encourages residents to direct questions to 906-482-1700. 

Hydrant flushing is a regular part of water system maintenance. It helps to remove sediment buildup caused by water mains. It can also help to prevent rusty water in the event of a water main break, or periods of time when there is a high demand for water. 

The flushing process is helpful for the fire department, as well. Cities usually measure water pressure and flow rate during this work. This data lets the fire department know that hydrants are in good condition in case of an emergency. 

Any discolorations or cloudiness is not a cause for concern during this time. It’s recommended to avoid doing laundry during the flushing process if possible, as discolored water could stain light-colored clothing.