Northwestern Water and Sewer District to Begin Hydrant Flushing Program

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio, - The Northwestern Water and Sewer District will begin its annual hydrant flushing program on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. District crews will flush over 4,000 hydrants throughout the four-county service area, and work will continue through the fall.

Hydrant flushing is an important part of routine water system maintenance. The program helps confirm hydrants are operating properly for fire protection and helps maintain water quality by clearing sediment from water mains. Ohio regulations also require public water systems to flush mains at least annually.

Customers can continue using their water during flushing, and the water remains safe to drink. In some areas, customers may notice temporary drops in water pressure or short-term discoloration as sediment is stirred up and flushed from the system.

If water appears cloudy, rusty, or discolored, customers should run a cold water tap for several minutes until the water clears. If discoloration does not clear right away, wait a short time and try again, and avoid doing laundry until the water runs clear.

District crews will be flushing hydrants on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program will begin along U.S. 23 from Fostoria to Rising Sun, as well as in McComb, Cygnet, Custar, Milton Center, and Bloomdale, through early June. Additional locations will be announced through the District’s Project Update and online hydrant flushing tracker. Click here to view the hydrant flushing tracker.

Customers with questions or concerns may call (419) 354-9090, extension 170.