On Monday, April 4, 2022, through Friday, April 29, 2022 from 9 am to 3 pm, Somers Consolidated Water District (SCWD) staff will be performing water main / hydrant flushing in the following areas:

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April 4th – 8th Amawalk Heights & Horton Estates

April 11th – 14th Preserves Travis Rd. & Loomis Dr.

April 18th – 22nd Shenorock area of Miller Ave between Lakeside Ln & Sunset Dr

April 25th – 29th Shenorock area North of Sunset Dr

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On these dates, hydrants will be flushed and tested. During this time, you may experience lower pressure and some discoloration. The process of periodically flushing fire hydrants is an important preventive maintenance activity. This allows employees of SCWD to test hydrants for flow and operations. Flushing, although it may appear to waste water, provides SCWD the means to clean and refresh the entire water distribution system. This flushing actually scours the inside of the pipeline, removing and then transporting silt and mineral deposits out of the water system. These procedures are necessary to maintain the integrity and quality of the water system. During the flushing process, it is not uncommon for a yellow, brown or reddish tint to appear in the water. Harmless mineral deposits settle in the water mains and flushing the fire hydrants stirs the deposits, sometimes causing a brief discoloration of the water.

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Here is what you should do if hydrant flushing is taking place in your neighborhood:

• If possible, avoid using water while the hydrant flushing is taking place. By not using water from the tap (cold or hot) or running appliances that use water (dishwashers and washing machines), you can prevent discolored water from entering your household plumbing system altogether.
• If you encounter discolored water following hydrant flushing, run the cold water taps only. Do not use hot water taps throughout your home at bathroom sinks, tubs, kitchen faucets, etc. for 15 to 20 minutes, or until water clears. This allows discolored water to work its way out of your household plumbing system. By not using your hot water taps, this should prevent discolored water from entering your hot water system. If you do experience discolored water on your hot side, flush in the same manner as the cold system.
• Don’t do laundry while or shortly after flushing is taking place. The discolored water can sometimes stain fabrics. Wait until water runs clear at your taps before using your washing machine, and wash a load of dark clothes first.
• If laundry appears to be stained, keep articles wet. Do Not Dry. Rewash load using a stain/rust remover (such as a product called “Rust Out” or “Iron Out”). Do Not Use Bleach on stained laundry as bleach will “set” the stain.
• If, after flushing, your water pressure or volume seems low, check your indoor filters if applicable, clean faucet screens to remove silt and mineral sediment that could be obstructing water flow.

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Thank you for your cooperation and understanding of this vital task. For more information, or if you experience water quality problems lasting more than four hours following hydrant flushing, please contact SCWD at (914) 248‐5181 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

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