City’s Annual Hydrant Flushing Begins Monday

Published on April 11, 2025

Beginning Monday, April 14, the City of Sioux Falls Water Division will start its annual hydrant flushing program. During the flushing process, crews will visit hydrants across the city, starting on the north side and working south, to open hydrants and flush them of water.

Hydrant flushing is beneficial for clearing the water mains of sediments, ensuring hydrants are operational, and conducting flow testing of the water distribution system. The process typically takes several weeks.

“The hydrant flushing program is an important part of our preventative maintenance process to continue delivering safe drinking water and ensuring hydrants are functional in case of an emergency,” said Darin McDonnel, the City’s Water Distribution System Supervisor.

Residents who have crews working in their neighborhood are encouraged to check the cold tap water for clarity before doing laundry. If there is discoloration, run the cold water faucet for a few minutes, or until the water clears, prior to use. Water discoloration due to the flushing program does not pose a health threat and may be used but could cause staining.

Motorists should be aware of and slow down in the presence of field crews and avoid water flowing from hydrants.

For questions regarding water quality, contact the Water Purification Plant at 605-373-6950 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or 605-367-8805 after office hours. To learn more about the City’s Water Division, visit www.siouxfalls.gov/water.