Water Line and Fire Hydrant Flushing

The Town’s Public Works Department is responsible for periodically flushing fire hydrants and water lines in Flower Mound. While it may appear to waste water, flushing hydrants and water lines is an essential part of routine maintenance that helps maintain the integrity of the water system and ensures high-quality water is delivered to the residents of Flower Mound. During the flushing process, field crews may operate various fire hydrants along roadways and at the end of cul-de-sacs. The Town also uses automatic flushing devices to help sustain optimal water quality and reduce the amount of staff time needed during flushing. Waterlines are flushed for a variety of reasons, including:

  • To comply with State of Texas requirements

    • The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires the monthly flushing of dead-end mains. The Town of Flower Mound complies with this requirement, as it helps maintain water quality and prevent water stagnation in these areas. In Flower Mound, there are 329 dead-end mains, which are flushed monthly.

  • To maintain water quality

    • The Town purchases treated water from the Upper Trinity Regional Water District (UTRWD) and Dallas Water Utilities (DWU), both of which use chloramine as a disinfectant. As water ages, chloramine becomes less effective, particularly in warmer months. The Town tests the water quality throughout the distribution system daily. If tests indicate that water quality may be affected, the Town flushes the lines and dead-end mains to remove stale water and ensure the presence of fresh water with optimal disinfection levels. Flushing also occurs regularly in some areas of the Town to maintain superior water quality.

  • To clean water mains

    • Over time, small particles can build up inside the water distribution pipes and affect water quality. Water professionals use flushing to pull water at high velocity through pipes to a discharge point, which scours the insides of the pipes and removes particles, ensuring clean water.

  • To facilitate water main repairs

    • After repairs are made to a water main, flushing removes any air, debris, or sediment that may have entered the line during the repair process before bacteriological sampling is done to ensure the line is safe for use.

  • To prepare for new water main installations

    •  When new water mains are installed, flushing is necessary to remove any debris or sediment before bacteriological sampling can be conducted to ensure the line is safe for use prior to placing line in service.

  • To conduct fire flow tests

    • Fire hydrants are periodically tested to ensure proper operation in emergencies. In Flower Mound, there are 4,517 fire hydrants.

The Town is dedicated to water conservation and realizes that it is a limited resource. To learn more about the Town’s water conservation efforts, visit www.flower-mound.com/waterconservation. Flushing water lines and fire hydrants is critical to maintaining high-quality drinking water in Flower Mound, and the flushing program is continually monitored to ensure that the Town’s water is safe and being used in the most efficient way possible.