Why Fire Hydrant Flushing Matters For Sioux Falls Residents

Why Hydrant Flushing Matters

It's another one of those signs of spring that comes around this time of year. The annual flushing of Sioux Falls fire hydrants is going on now and will continue for several weeks. During the flushing process, crews will work from the north side of the city to the south, opening hydrants and flushing water through them.

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In case you're wondering why this is done every year, it has everything to do with water quality in Sioux Falls. Opening up the hydrants and flushing them helps clear water mains of sediments, ensures hydrants are operational, and also performs flow testing of the water distribution system.

Josh Lewis, the city’s water distribution system supervisor, says, "The hydrant flushing program is a key part of our preventive maintenance efforts. It helps us continue delivering safe drinking water and ensures hydrants are ready to perform in an emergency."

Stay Informed: Checking Water Quality at Home

If you have a hydrant crew working in your neighborhood, you're advised to check to see if your cold tap water is clear before you do laundry. If the water is discolored, run the cold water faucet for a few minutes or until the water clears before use. Water discoloration caused by the flushing program does not pose a health risk and may be used, but it could cause staining.

The Sioux Falls Water Department urges motorists to be aware and slow down near the hydrant-flushing street crews and avoid the water flowing from the hydrants.

9 Sioux Falls Streets Visitors Have A Hard Time Pronouncing

If you are visiting or new to Sioux Falls and trying to find your way around, chances are you really don't need to pronounce street names correctly. All you have to do is enter your destination into Google Maps and your phone will show you the way.

But what if you are trying to tell someone where your cool friend or family member lives in our fine city? Some of our streets and avenues have tricky spellings that may throw visitors for a loop when trying to sound them out.

No one is going to mess up on the big thoroughfares like Minnesota Avenue, Western Avenue, or Louise Avenue but what about these?

Gallery Credit: Ben Davis

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