The City of Fairfield Water Department has announced that its semiannual water line and fire hydrant flushing program will take place Monday, November 2nd through Friday, November 6th throughout the city and surrounding service areas.
According to Water Department Superintendent Cole Young, city employees will be opening hydrants during the week to test their operation and help maintain the quality of the city’s water supply.
The flushing process is conducted each spring and fall as part of routine water system maintenance.
Residents may experience temporary water discoloration or reduced water pressure while crews are working in their neighborhoods. City officials say discoloration is typically caused by a temporary increase in iron concentration and does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe to drink.
However, customers are encouraged to check their water for discoloration before doing laundry or other activities that could be affected.
The scheduled flushing locations are as follows:
Monday, November 2: First Ward — All hydrants east of First Street.
Tuesday, November 3: Second Ward — All hydrants north of Elm Street between First and Seventh Streets.
Wednesday, November 4: Third Ward — All hydrants south of Elm Street between First and Seventh Streets.
Thursday, November 5: Fourth Ward — All hydrants west of Seventh Street, stopping at Kincaid’s.
Friday, November 6: Outlying areas, including Walmart, Petroleum Boulevard, Brach Oaks, Highway 45 South, Highway 15 East to the Little Wabash River, and Enterprise Road.
The Water Department also announced that crews will be flushing free-chlorinated water used during the recent “Free Burn” process from the system and returning to the use of ammonia and chlorine for disinfection.
As required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the city is notifying customers that lead levels in the water could temporarily increase during the flushing process.
Water Department officials appreciate residents’ patience and cooperation during the scheduled maintenance.
Anyone with questions about the flushing schedule or water quality may contact the Fairfield Water Department at 618-842-7015 or 618-842-5016 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m.