Fire Hydrant Flushing Begins April 11

Fire hydrant flushing is scheduled to begin on Mon, April 11, with the SE Quadrant of Columbia Heights. Flushing will proceed with the NE Quadrant on Mon, April 25, then the NW Quadrant on Mon, May 2, and concluding with the SW Quadrant on Mon, May 9 (schedule is weather dependent). Hydrants will be flushed from 7 am to 3 pm Mon-Fri. 

Hydrant Flushing Schedule

SE Quadrant (South of 45th Ave NE, East of Central Ave NE): April 11-22 (No flushing on April 15)
NE Quadrant (North of 45th Ave NE, East of Central Ave NE): April 25-29
NW Quadrant (North of 45th Ave NE, West of Central Ave NE): May 2-6 
SW Quadrant (South of 45th Ave NE, West of Central Ave NE): May 9-20

Hydrant flushing is done every year in the spring to help eliminate minerals and deposits that build up in the water piping network; the hydrants are also inspected and repaired to ensure they are functioning properly. The flushing may create discoloration in the water for a short period of time, and residents should flush their system with COLD water to help clear up any discolored water. In some cases, it may take 20-30 minutes of running the COLD water to eliminate the discoloration. The City of Columbia Heights recognizes that this can be an inconvenience for residents and will try to minimize the disruption throughout the system by completing the hydrant flushing during the weeks identified. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to call Columbia Heights Public Works at 763-706-3700.