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If you live in the Town of Kenbridge, there’s a good chance your water might not look like normal this week. Town staff will be flushing fire hydrants, as required by the Virginia Department of Health. As a result, town water could be discolored. 

According to town officials, fire hydrant flushing is necessary to keep service lines clean of sedimentation and ensure all lines and fire hydrants are in proper operating condition. 

Kenbridge residents should be aware of a few things as a result of the routine flushing. Once the hydrants in the area have been flushed, affected citizens may notice cloudiness in the water. The Town administration advises Kenbridge residents to allow water to run in an outside faucet first and run water in each faucet for a few minutes and any irregular cloudiness should disappear. Residents should also know they may experience water pressure loss during the fire hydrant flushing. 

“There is no need to be concerned, this is a normal function of municipal water systems and is prescribed by the Virginia Department of Health to occur periodically to ensure the functions of the hydrants and health of the water system,” said Kenbridge Town Manager Tony Matthews. “Our maintenance crews will open every hydrant in town, making sure the mechanical process is functional, and run the water until it is clear of sediment and the water is clear.”

Officials say there is no preparation needed for the fire hydrant flushing on behalf of town citizens. They did, however, advise that the more water that flows the faster the lines will be cleared.