2024 Spring Hydrant Flushing Program

The Water Department flushes the distribution system twice each year. The Department must do this as this process removes sediment that builds up over time in the system, providing the ability to draw newer, fresher water to the far ends of the system. The older the water is the less the quality is. Therefore, flushing is the most important water quality maintenance task that the Water Department performs.

Before we flush, a notice will go out to the residents and businesses in the area. The Department posts it in the Daily News, sets up sign boards on High Street, Storey Avenue and Spofford Street. Flushing notices are also posted on social media and the Cities web site. Using social media and the Cities web site the department updates everyone as to roughly where we will be each day.

When the Department flushes, the whole system is stirred up. While flushing customers are still using water, that use causes customers to draw dirty water into their homes. There is nothing the department can do to avoid this once we start. Once we start there is no stopping.

Dirty water calls are always tough but there is no easy way out. Flushing is a process that takes weeks. The department will respond quickly and honestly to customer complaints.

The Water Distribution Superintendent will continue to work on making flushing more efficient, and hopefully a quicker process.

The Spring Flushing Program will begin the first week of April and take approximately one month to complete. Residents and businesses in the affected areas will be notified prior to flushing beginning in their neighborhood.

Below is a link to this year's press release on the Spring 2024 hydrant flushing program as well as a FAQ guide on Water Main Flushing for Consumers issued by MassDEP. 

Please contact the Business Office with any questions relevant to this process at 978-465-4420 or wsbilling@newburyportma.gov

                                                                                    Dan Maguire

                                                                                    Water Distribution Superintendent