Fire hydrant flushing will take place in the northeast quadrant this spring. It will begin April 1 and continue through the summer. This annual  maintenance, performed by the Austin Fire Department, ensures hydrants  are in working order and clears water lines of accumulated minerals and  sedime nts. As fire staff perform annual hydrant flushing, you may see water rushing  out the side of the hydrant. Your home water may have an orange or rusty  tint; although, it is safe to use and drink. This discoloration is caused by iron sediments in the water main which are disturbed during the flushing  process. If discoloration does occur within your home water, run the cold water for several minutes and flush your toilets once or twice, this should  clear your lines. If you have any questions or concerns regarding hydrant  flushing, please call the Austin Fire Department at 507-433-3405. The post AFD to flush hydrants appeared first on Austin Daily Herald. ...read more read less