Lynnfield Center Water District to Begin Spring Hydrant Flushing Next Week

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield Center Water District will begin this year’s spring hydrant flushing on April 7, with work continuing through the end of the month.

Flushing will occur Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Most of the flushing during the first few weeks of the program will take place in the Apple Hill, Chestnut and Lowell Street neighborhoods. 

However, the District plans to extend seasonal flushing this spring to also include the Glen Meadow neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods off Summer Street, from the intersection at Walnut Street toward East Huckleberry Road.

Residents are encouraged to check the LCWD website for street schedule dates and times for flushing as they become available. A map of the flushing areas also is accessible on the site for reference.

“We are happy to be able to develop and now execute the flushing program within additional areas of the system.” according to Superintendent John Scenna. The District is also developing plans for a third section that will be flushed next spring. “Our goal is to be prepared with plans and programs to flush our entire system by 2023,” stated Scenna. 

The LCWD flushes parts of its system twice each year to remove iron and manganese that builds up naturally in groundwater. Hydrants are flowed at high velocity to rid sediment from pipes. This expels iron and manganese before it reaches customers’ taps and ensures the long-term health of the system. Flushing also allows for the opportunity to exercise gate valves in the system and hydrants so that operators can proactively diagnose issues that may require repair in advance of emergencies. 

During the flushing program, residents may experience low or even no water pressure while flushing is taking place on their streets. They also may 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 with only cold water until the water runs clear.

The District offers the following tips when flushing is underway:

• Do not use water when District crews are flushing or testing on your street. If you do, sediment could get into your house’s pipes which could cause them to block, reduce pressure, and/or cause discoloration in your water. This situation could be expensive to repair. If you experience a problem, please contact LCWD for assistance.
• Once flushing is completed on your street, you may experience rusty or cloudy water. Residents should run cold water, preferably from an outdoor water spigot, until the water runs 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 the cold water runs clean.

“We thank you in advance for your cooperation as we perform this important preventive maintenance,” Scenna said.

Those with questions should contact the Lynnfield Center Water District Office at 781-334-3901. This phone line is answered daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.