MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — The City of Martinsville will launch its annual fire hydrant flushing and pressure testing program beginning in July.

The work will take place weekdays from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, and will continue through early September in neighborhoods across the city.

According to officials, hydrant flushing is a routine maintenance procedure aimed at improving water quality and ensuring that fire hydrants are in proper working order for emergency response.

While flushing is in progress, residents may notice temporary water discoloration, which is caused by the disturbance of naturally occurring, harmless sediment within the water lines.

City officials recommend running cold water from all faucets simultaneously for several minutes if discoloration occurs.

Residents are also advised to avoid doing laundry during scheduled flushing periods to prevent possible fabric staining.

Flushing schedule:

• July 7–11: Areas north of Jones Creek — Clearview Dr., Barrows Mill Rd., Greyson St., Liberty St., Stultz Rd., Northside Dr., Sovah Health, and surrounding streets
• July 14–18: The Village of Martinsville, Commonwealth Blvd. to Memorial Blvd, all of Chatham Rd., extending to Woodhaven Rd. and Bethel Ln.
• July 21–25: Revisit of areas north of Jones Creek — Clearview Dr. through Barrows Mill Rd., Greyson St., Liberty St., and Stultz Rd., including adjacent streets
• July 28–August 1: West of Market St. and north of the railroad — West Church St., Fayette St. to the West corporate limit, Memorial Blvd. to the North corporate limit, and surrounding areas
• August 4–8: Northeastern part of the city — East Church St. from Starling Ave. to the East corporate limit, Commonwealth Blvd. from Fairy St. to Chatham Rd., Blankenship Rd., and nearby streets
• August 11–15: Brookdale and Spruce Streets to Parkview Ave., Mulberry Rd. from Starling Ave. to Sheraton Ct., Rives Rd., and adjacent areas
• August 18–22: Southside part of the city — south of the Norfolk & Southern railroad, including Memorial Blvd., Askin St., Starling Ave., Forest St., Rivermont Heights, and nearby streets
• August 25–29: Mulberry Rd. from Sam Lions Trail to the end, including Corn Tassel Trail, Industrial Park Dr., Frith Dr., and Fontaine Dr.
• September 8–12: Spruce St. from Parkview Ave. to the Eastern corporate limit, Brookdale St., Indian Trail, Corn Tassel Trail, Sam Lions Trail to Country Club Dr., and surrounding streets

Officials provided the following reminders for residents:

• Do not wash clothes during flushing in your area to avoid staining.
• Cloudy or discolored water is safe but may look unpleasant — flush faucets with cold water until it clears.
• The sediment stirred up during this process is chlorinated and not hazardous to health.

For questions or updates regarding the flushing program, residents may contact the Water Resources Department directly.

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