The Dalles Public Works Department will be flushing water mains through fire hydrants over the next few weeks.  Water mains are flushed annually in order to clean out deposits, sediments and rust from distribution pipelines, minimize water quality problems, test fire protection water pressures, exercise hydrant valves, and identify hydrants that need to be repaired or replaced.  Motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid driving or walking through the water coming directly from a hydrant while the main is being flushed.  Occasionally main flushing causes water flowing from a tap to be discolored from stirred up sediment or milky white caused by tiny air bubbles.  Although discolored water won’t make you sick, you might want to flush the pipe by running the water for several minutes before drinking or washing.  If the water does not clear, please contact The Dalles Public Works office at 541-296-5401.