Hydrant Flushing

Burnsville's Utilities Department will begin flushing of City-owned fire hydrants on cul-de-sacs and non-looped water mains:

  • Timeline: late September, early October
  • Hours: Between the hours of 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. 
  • Days: Monday through Friday | Some weekends

City hydrants are flushed regularly to ensure they are in working order for fire protection, and to remove mineral deposits that may accumulate in water mains.

Residents are advised that the change in water flow patterns resulting from hydrant flushing may stir up mineral deposits in City water mains.

 **During hydrant flushing, it is not unusual for residents to periodically experience discolored water, pressure changes and/or an increased chlorine odor.

Iron Coloration

Iron in the water is not a health issue, but it may impact the aesthetic quality of the water. If discolored water is present, residents may correct the problem by opening all cold water faucets and allow them to run at the same time until the water clears.

During the hydrant flushing period, residents are encouraged to check the color of their water prior to doing laundry. Discolored water may stain clothes, particularly whites. Rust remover is available from the Burnsville Maintenance Facility, 13713 Frontier Court, for residents whose laundry has become discolored as a result of hydrant flushing.

Private Hydrants

Burnsville is also home to more than 1,300 private fire hydrants. Commercial building owners, townhouse associations and apartment complexes with privately-owned hydrants are responsible for flushing and maintaining their own hydrants to ensure they are working in case of an emergency. Private maintenance should be coordinated with Burnsville's Utilities Superintendent Tony White (952-895-4552) to ensure minimal disturbance to the City's water distribution system.

For more information and general hydrant flushing questions, contact the Burnsville Maintenance Facility at 952-895-4550.

Flushing Progress

The map below shows areas of the city where hydrant flushing has been completed. Gray means an area has not been complete, yellow are areas that are in progress and green are areas where flushing is complete. The numbers indicate zone classifications and are used for internal purposed -- the numbers do not indicate the order in which areas will be flushed.

View larger map