Each year, our Field Service team maintains more than 2,000 hydrants that are in our system. At each stop, a staff member will open a hydrant and take samples to measure water quality. Hydrant flushing has several benefits including clearing sediment from the lines, giving crews a chance to monitor our system and ensuring high standards of water quality. 

You will be able to recognize our employees by a number of identifiers:

• Berkeley Water employees will be driving vehicles with the Berkeley Water logo
• Berkeley Water employees will be wearing uniforms with the Berkeley Water logo

If you have any questions or concerns about flushing or the crews in your area, please contact our Customer Relations department at 304-267-4600 and they will be happy to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why does water have a ‘milky’ or ‘bubbly’ appearance during flushing?
This is simply a result of the oxygen in the water being stirred up during flushing causing visible air bubbles. Letting the water sit in a glass for a few seconds will take care of the air bubbles! With this phenomenon, you will see the bubbles clear from bottom to top.

Why is my water discolored?
Flushing may result in temporary discoloration and the presence of sediment in your water. These conditions are not harmful and should be of very short duration. If noticed, avoid doing laundry during this time (while crews are on your street) to avoid discoloration. If water remains discolored or cloudy for an extended timeframe contact Berkeley Water Customer Relations at 304-267-4600.

Will my water pressure be affected?
Some customers may notice a slight pressure fluctuation when our crews are working on their street. Pressures will return to normal once the flushing has finished.

Are my fish safe during the disinfectant switch?
You will need to treat tap water before using it in a fish aquarium. Disinfectants can harm fish. Check with a local pet store to learn what types of chemicals you need to add to the tank to neutralize the effects of the disinfectant.

Why isn’t the water captured or reused?
There are a lot of variables that make the process of capturing, collecting and transporting the water difficult. The amount of pressure released when hydrants are flushed makes it very difficult to recapture.

Who pays for this water?
The cost of hydrant flushing is built into the normal cost of operations.