MARTINSVILLE – As part of a Citywide water system and fire hydrant maintenance program, City of Martinsville Water Resources and Fire Department personnel will be systematically flushing fire hydrants within the City according to the following schedule, weather permitting. Hydrants will be flushed Sunday through Saturday between 4:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Individual hydrants will be inspected more closely and repaired, if necessary, over several weeks after flushing is completed.
Sept. 17-21: All areas north of Jones Creek, beginning in the vicinity of the City’s Water Treatment Plant on Clearview Drive and continuing on Barrows Mill Road, Greyson St, Liberty St, Stultz Road, and all adjacent streets, including Northside Dr. and Memorial Hospital.
Sept. 24-28: Liberty Fair Mall and Commonwealth Blvd. To Memorial Blvd. Entire Chatham Rd including all adjacent streets, beginning at Commonwealth Blvd and continuing outside the City to Woodhaven Rd, plus streets in the Bethel Lane area.
Oct. 1- 5: Uptown areas from Memorial Blvd. to Starling Ave., including Church St, Main St, Fayette St, Market St. and all adjacent streets.
Periodic flushing is necessary to clear normal sediment from lines and ensure that the hydrants are functional for fire protection purposes. Because sediment will be disturbed, some dingy water can be expected, but the dinginess should disappear in a short time. Any persistent cloudiness can usually be cleared by briefly opening all faucets in the building simultaneously.
Residents are cautioned to avoid clothes washing if they are aware of hydrants being flushed nearby. While any sediment stirred up has been disinfected by chlorine in the water supply, the dinginess can still stain clothes if it is drawn into the washing machine in sufficient quantity.
Flushing schedules will be announced later for remaining portions of the City.