WAVERLY, Ohio — The Waverly Water Department will flush fire hydrants throughout the village from Sept. 14 through Sept. 25, an annual maintenance push that can leave tap water temporarily discolored, the department said.
Residents may notice cloudy or rust-tinged water during the two-week window, but the department said the water remains safe to drink throughout the flushing period.
Hydrant flushing is a routine part of maintaining a municipal water system. Utilities open hydrants to send water rushing through the pipes at high velocity, a process that scours out sediment, mineral deposits and stagnant water that can build up in the distribution system over time. The high-flow test also lets crews confirm that hydrants are working properly and delivering adequate pressure for firefighting, and it helps operators spot valves or hydrants in need of repair.
Discoloration during flushing typically comes from disturbed sediment and dissolved iron or manganese naturally present in the water supply, not from contamination. Residents who notice discolored water are commonly advised to run a cold tap for a few minutes until it clears and to hold off on laundry loads until the water runs clear, to avoid staining light-colored fabrics.
Waverly is the seat of Pike County, with a population of about 4,165 as of the 2020 census. The village’s water department has undertaken infrastructure upgrades in recent years, including the construction of new raw water wells to supply its treatment plant.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Waverly Water Department.
