Residents in City of Rockford Urged to Flush Home Water Lines

The City of Rockford is alerting residents to take proactive steps to make sure their home water lines remain clean and clear during regular maintenance.

City Continues Routine Maintenance Through June

According to the press release, flushing of fire hydrants around Rockford began this week (May 25) and continues through the end of May on Muldoon Drive, River Bluff Boulevard, Halsted Road, Normandy Avenue, Latham Street, Grant Avenue, Country Club Beach Terrace, Fulton Avenue, and Huffman Boulevard.

From June 1 through June 7, 2025, hydrants will be flushed on the following streets:

• Fremont Street
• Brown Avenue
• Van Wie Avenue
• Grant Avenue
• Hancock Street
• Clinton Place
• Harlem Boulevard
• Oxford Street
• Custer Avenue

Maintenance on city fire hydrants improves water quality and flow throughout the city's distribution system, but could cause some temporary issues, such as water discoloration and sediment buildup in some homes.

Flushing Can Stir Up Iron, Manganese, and Possibly Lead

When hydrants are flushed, minerals like iron (red water) and manganese (black water) may be stirred up in the water mains around the areas being serviced.

READ MORE: Rockford Drivers Brace for Major Road Closures in June

While the City of Rockford says the discolored water is not considered a health hazard, it can stain laundry and any porcelain fixtures it comes into contact with.

Residents may also experience a sediment buildup in their water that may contain lead, especially in older homes or aging plumbing systems.

If you live in the area where hydrants are being flushed, you are strongly advised to flush your water lines for 1 to 2 minutes after the hydrant flushing is completed. Homeowners should also remove and clean faucet aerator screens to remove any potential sediment.

Questions or Concerns? Contact Water Quality Experts

Any Rockford resident who has water quality concerns can contact the Water Quality Division at 779-348-7151. You can also access a detailed map where flushing is happening and when workers will be in specific neighborhoods by clicking HERE