A hydrant testing and flushing program is very important to the maintenance of a domestic water distribution system. Each year, the we may systematically open hydrants throughout the Borough to gauge flows and to allow water to flow at a high velocity through the distribution main lines.

The two main types of flushing programs are conventional flushing and uni-directional flushing.

Conventional flushing involves flushing one hydrant at a time, often during hydrant inspections and flow testing.

Unidirectional flushing involves the sequential closing of water valve in order to maximize water flow velocity to create a pipe scouring effect.

 Regular flushing serves the following purposes:

• Enhances long term water quality by removing sediments from inside the mainline and flushing them out through the hydrant.

• Identifies malfunctions of the hydrant and related valve issues.

• Helps determine weaknesses in the water distribution system.

• Identifies inadequate water volumes and pressures in the mainlines.

• Helps determine fire flows at the hydrant.