BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The Bay Minette Fire Department is conducting routine fire hydrant flushing and testing, which began in September and will continue Monday through Thursday until the process is complete.
Two Jobs at Once
The maintenance serves two purposes. It helps ensure high water quality by clearing sediment and mineral buildup from water lines, and it allows the department to confirm that all community fire hydrants are operating properly and ready for emergency use.
The second purpose is the one residents rarely think about. A hydrant that has not been operated in years may have a seized valve, a damaged outlet or insufficient flow — and the moment that is discovered should not be during a structure fire. Systematic flushing puts every hydrant in the system through a functional test on a schedule.
The first purpose addresses something inherent to how water distribution systems work. In sections of pipe where flow is normally low, fine sediment and mineral deposits settle over time. Opening a hydrant creates a high-velocity flow that scours the line and carries that material out of the system rather than leaving it to be disturbed later.
What Residents May Notice
During flushing, residents may temporarily experience low water pressure or water discoloration.
Although discolored water can look concerning, it remains safe for general use.
The discoloration is typically caused by iron and manganese sediment stirred up by the change in flow. It is an aesthetic issue rather than a health one, which is why utilities describe the water as safe while still recommending a few precautions.
What to Do
As a precaution, residents are encouraged to run their taps until the water runs clear before drinking or cooking with it.
To prevent possible laundry staining, residents should avoid washing clothes until normal water color returns.
The laundry advice is the most practical item on the list. Iron-bearing sediment can stain fabric, and the stain is considerably harder to remove after a load has been through a dryer. Checking a cold tap before starting a wash takes a few seconds.
Running a cold tap — rather than hot — is generally the better way to clear a line, since drawing discolored water into a water heater simply moves the sediment into the tank.
Schedule
Flushing began in September and continues Monday through Thursday until the process is complete. The Monday-through-Thursday pattern is typical, leaving weekends clear of the disruption.
Questions
For questions or concerns, residents may contact the Bay Minette Fire Department at (251) 580-2552.
North Baldwin Utilities and the City of Bay Minette said they remain committed to maintaining the safety, reliability and quality of the community’s water system.