Fire hydrant flushing is performed to remove any sediment or stagnant water from the distribution system and to test fire hydrant operation. These steps are taken to improve the overall water quality within the distribution system and to insure the delivery of the highest quality of water possible.
As in the past, the water may become temporarily discolored and residents should avoid washing clothes between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. while flushing is in progress in your area. The following schedule gives the approximate day they will be in certain areas.
5/12 to 5/15/24:
- Areas north of College Avenue east of Constitution Trail and south of Shelbourne Drive, including: Beechwood Court, Basswood Lane, Heritage Road, Regal Drive
- Collie Ridge and Tramore Subdivisions
- Areas east of Veterans Parkway and south of I-55
5/14 to 5/16/24:
- Areas west of Linden Street and north of Raab Road
- Heartland Ridge and Lincoln College
5/14 to 5/17/24: Areas south of College Avenue and east of Constitution Trail
5/15 to 5/19/24:
- Ironwood, Wintergreen, Northfields, Heather Ridge and North Bridge Subdivisions
- Areas south of College Avenue and west of Constitution Trail
5/14 to 5/19/24:
- Areas between West College Avenue and Raab Road west of Constitution Trail
- The Pines, Pheasant Ridge, Carriage Hills and Pinehurst Subdivisions
Visit Normalil.gov to view the Hydrant Flushing Map and see when hydrant flushing will be performed in your area.
Direct questions regarding hydrant flushing to the Water Department at 309-454-9563.
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If you need assistance accessing any program, service or event provided by the Town of Normal, please email ADA Coordinator Greg Troemel or call 309-454-9580.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
The Town of Normal Water Department will soon begin fire hydrant flushing that may affect the lead content of your potable water supply.
Lead, a metal found in natural deposits, is harmful to human health. The most common exposure to lead is swallowing or breathing in lead paint chips and dust. However, lead in drinking water can also be a source of lead exposure. In the past, lead was used in some water service lines and household plumbing materials. Lead in water usually occurs through corrosion of plumbing products containing lead: however, disruption (construction or maintenance) of lead service lines may also temporarily increase lead levels in the water supply. This disruption may sometimes be caused by disturbances in the water system from hydrant flushing. Beginning June 19, 1986, new or replaced water service lines and new household plumbing materials could not contain more than 8% lead. In addition, on Jan. 4, 2014, lead content was further reduced requiring plumbing materials to now be certified as “lead-free” (weighted average of the wetted surface cannot be more than 0.25% lead).
The notice is for informational purposes only. While it is not known for certain if flushing of the water system will adversely affect the lead (if present) plumbing in and outside your home, the below information describes preventative measures you can take to help reduce the amount of lead in drinking water.
Fire Hydrant Flushing Dates: May 12-19, 2024
Project Location and Description: The entire water system for the Town will be flushed.
What you can do to reduce lead exposure in drinking water during hydrant flushing:
- Run your water to flush out lead. If the plumbing in your home is accessible, you may be able to inspect your own plumbing to determine whether or not you have a lead service line. Otherwise, you will most likely need to hire a plumber.
o If you do not have a lead service line, running the water for 1-2 minutes at the kitchen tap should clear the lead from your household plumbing to the kitchen tap. Once you have done this, fill a container with water and store it in the refrigerator for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula throughout the day.
o If you do have a lead service line, flushing times can vary based on the length of your service line and the plumbing configuration in your home. The length of lead service lines varies considerably. Flushing for at least 3-5 minutes is recommended.
- Use cold water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap. Lead dissolves more easily in hot water. Do not use water from hot water tap to make baby formula.
- Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. Consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter that is certified to remove total lead.
- Clean and remove any debris from faucet aerators on a regular basis.
- Do not boil water to remove lead. This does not reduce lead.
- Purchase lead-free faucets and plumbing components.
- Remove the entire lead service line.
- Test your water for lead. Call us at 309-454-9563 to find out how to get your water tested for lead.
o While we do not do the testing, we can provide a list of laboratories certified to do the testing. Additional lead information and a list of certified laboratories.
o Learn more about lead information and review a list of certified laboratories.
o Laboratories will send bottles for sample collection. Please note the Town is not affiliated with the laboratories and they will charge a fee.
o If test results indicate a lead level above 15 parts per billion, bottled water should be used for pregnant women, breast feeding women, young children and formula-fed infants.
