Lynnfield Center Water District Begins Water Flushing Program

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Center Water District (LCWD) will begin flushing underground water main pipes within the district to improve water quality and to test and operate the water system’s valves and fire hydrants.

The District flushes parts of the distribution system twice yearly to remove naturally occurring buildups of iron and manganese that are present in groundwater. The water flushing program will begin today, Oct. 19, and will continue through October and into mid-November. Flushing will take place Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The District will post specific streets scheduled for flushing each day on social media and on its website, www.lcwd.us. This week flushing will take place on Wing Road, Main Street, Lowell Street, Joseph’s Lane, North Hill, West Tapley, Willis and Murphy. 

In general, the flushing and testing will take place in and around Apple Hill and surrounding neighborhoods bordered by and off Chestnut Street, Lowell Street, and Main Street. There may also be some flushing on Main Street between Chestnut Street and the Town of Wakefield, and in the Edwards Avenue, Olde Town, and Pine Street neighborhoods.

Residents may experience low or even no water pressure while flushing is taking place on their streets. They may also notice that their home’s water is discolored for a few hours during or after flushing. That discoloration can be alleviated by running a high-flow faucet until water runs clear. In these instances, the LCWD recommends that an outside spigot be used to flush water.

Residents should also avoid doing laundry during the flushing period and should check their water by running cold water for a few minutes before starting their washing machine and/or using hot water.

Residents should follow these procedures to minimize the impact of this program: 

1. Do not use your water when flushing or testing is occurring on your street. If you do, sediment could get into your home’s pipes which could cause them to block, reduce pressure, and/or cause discoloration in your water. This situation could be expensive for you to repair. If you experience a problem, please contact the LCWD for assistance.
2. You may experience rusty or cloudy water from the testing. Once the work is completed, run the cold water until it is clear.  Do not run the hot water, do not do laundry, do not use your dishwasher, and do not add water to your pool until your cold water runs clean. It is recommended that the water be flushed from an outdoor water spigot whenever possible.

The LCWD thanks the community in advance for their cooperation during these preventive maintenance programs within the district.

Those with questions regarding the water flushing program should contact the LCWD office at 781-334-3901.