Annual Hydrant & Water Main Flushing

To help maintain water quality and ensure the operation of our system’s hydrants, the Elmira Water Board begins its annual spring hydrant and main flushing program on Thursday, April 2, 2020 and will continue through April 20, 2020. The daily schedules can be found below.

The program will begin with the flushing of large mains during the day April 2 and April 3 from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 

Small main hydrant flushing will be conducted in the late evening and early morning hours to minimize discolored water problems for customers. The schedule is as follows:

Week of April 5 - April 9: Flushing begins with hydrants on the north side of the Chemung River: north to McCanns Boulevard, and west to the point at Church and Water Streets. This will cover the eastside, northside, downtown areas of Elmira, and parts of West Elmira.

Week of April 12 - April 17: Continuing in areas on the north side of the Chemung River: north of McCanns Boulevard, including Elmira Heights and Horseheads; west to include the remainder of West Elmira. All remaining hydrants south of the river.

The high pressure areas of West Elmira, Elmira Heights, and the Town of Southport will be flushed during the week of April 20. 

 Elmira Water Board officials advise that discolored water problems may occur in affected areas, however this should clear up within one hour. The discoloration does not present a health problem, but could potentially cause problems if a customer is doing laundry. When flushing is taking place in your area, the Elmira Water Board suggests that you always run your cold water tap first to confirm the absence of discolored water in your pipes. In the event that you experience discolored water, running the cold water until it becomes clear will reduce the potential of discolored water adversely affecting your hot water tank. Customers are advised to call the Filtration Plant at 732-2277 if discoloration continues.

 A complete schedule of the flushing program can be found below.