Press Releases

Fort Collins Utilities crews will begin flushing the water distribution system April 7, weather permitting, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for approximately eight weeks.

Flushing will begin just west of Overland Trail and move eastward to College Avenue, including the Town of Laporte. Please be cautious of people working in the streets during this time and observe traffic diversions.

When flushing, fire hydrants are opened and water flows through at high speeds, cleaning the pipes and removing the sediments that can affect the water’s taste and color. Flushing is an essential preventative maintenance strategy for the water distribution system, helps maintain water quality and keeps our water fresh.

Sometimes the sudden rush of water can stir up sediments in the pipes and cause the water to become cloudy or discolored. These sediments are not harmful, though they may stain laundry. If you experience cloudy or discolored water, wait until the nearby flushing is completed, remove any aerators or filters from your faucet and run the COLD water until it clears. This water can be used on plants or landscaping.

The flushing process doesn’t typically interrupt water service, although it can happen on occasion. A loss of water pressure is more common.

For more information and a map of the current flushing area, visit http://www.fcgov.com/hydrantflushing , call 970-221-6700, TDD 970-224-6003 or email