By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The City of Decatur finished its spring flushing of hydrants last week.
A second round will be held in the fall.
The flushing is done to flow water through the hydrants to be sure they are clean and in good running order in the event there is a fire, Utilities Auditor Erin Heyerly explained.
“This also flushes out the water mains to keep them from buildup and debris in the lines,” Heyerly continued. “Flushing also helps with chlorine residual which happens when water lays stagnant in the lines.”
When water first begins flowing from the hydrant, a rust color is seen for some time. That is from iron in the lines being flushed, Heyerly said.
Another reason for flushing is financial.
“By maintaining the fire lines this also helps with giving us a better rating through the insurance services office,” Heyerly noted.