Automated Hydrant Flushing Devices

Overview

DC Water has installed about a dozen automated flushing devices (autoflushers) on hydrants throughout the District. 

When water sits in aging pipes, natural corrosion can cause discoloration. We see this most often in neighborhoods with older water mains and low water use. DC Water crews routinely flush hydrants in these neighborhoods to improve water quality. Hydrant flushing replaces stationary water with fresh water from the distribution system.  

Since 2011, DC Water has installed autoflushers in neighborhoods that continued to experience water quality issues despite routine manual flushing by crews.

From March to November, these autoflushers will flush hydrants each day, for 20-30 minutes beginning at 5:00 A.M. DC Water will continue to monitor water quality and may modify the flushing schedule, accordingly.

During flushing, the hydrant will be fully opened at a flow rate of 150 gallons per minute. Customers do not pay for this water, and can continue normal water use.   

Scope of work

• Installation of 12 automated flushing devices on fire hydrants

Schedule

• Installation: March 2020
• Removal: November 2020
• Flushing schedule: daily, 5:00 A.M. Duration 20-30 minutes. (Loughboro Road, 3:00 A.M.) 

Important information

• Customer water supplies will not be shut off during installation or hydrant flushing.
• Customer water bills will not be affected by hydrant flushing. 
• During this time, customers can continue normal water usage, including drinking, bathing and laundry.
• Report any discolored water to the Drinking Water Division. 

Traffic plans

• As always, do not park in front of a hydrant, or within 10 feet in either direction from the centerline of the hydrant.

Partners

Information has been provided to the relevant Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, Council Offices, and the Office of the Mayor.

Project Locations

Neighborhoods in Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast: