On Monday, April 25, the Madison Fire Rescue will begin flushing the fire hydrants in the city.
The procedure can take up to two weeks to complete, depending on call volume for the department.
The Madison Fire Rescue will not flush hydrants during the weekends or after 5 p.m.
Hydrant flushing signs will be posted in the areas where flushing is occurring.
Residents will need to let their water run if they start seeing rusty or dark colored water and be cautious when washing clothing, especially lighter colored clothes or whites.
If the water does not clear up within 15 to 30 minutes, residents should call Madison City Hall at (850) 973-5081.
Fire Chief Bruce Jordan says the department flushes hydrants for many reasons, flushing out the rust and debris that accumulates in the cities water system during the year that could cause potential problems is crucial. Flushing also ensures that the hydrant is working properly and allows Madison Fire Rescue to know if there are problems in the hydrants’ operation; such as leaking, not opening or closing, etc. and flushing hydrants is required by the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) to maintain the fire department ISO rating.
-Bruce Jordan