Each spring the Garden City Water Department opens and flows (flushes) hydrants. This annual maintenance program is essential to the operation.
Annual flushing will begin Monday evening, April 8, and continue through the month of April. Flushing water mains is a way to clean out a build-up of dissolved minerals inside our mains. This build-up is caused by reduced water demand during the winter months. These deposits settle to the bottom of the mains and must be cleaned out so that they don’t cause discolored water in the future.
Flushing is done between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., to keep the disturbance to your water service to a minimum during normal water usage time.
While flushing is occurring in your area, you may have some slight fluctuations in water pressure and temporary water discoloration. If you experience discolored water, run your cold water for several minutes. If it does not clear, wait 30 minutes and try again. Here are some recommendations you can follow during flushing dates in your neighborhood:
• Draw water for cooking ahead of time
• Store bottles of water for drinking
• Be sure to check the water quality before using your washing machine or dishwasher
If you have any questions, please contact the Water Department at (516) 465-4020.