Somerville’s Annual Water System Flushing Program Starts Monday, May 18

The City of Somerville’s annual Water System Flushing Program will begin on Monday, May 18, and conclude in late October. This annual program flushes pipes at high velocities to clean water mains and maintain the highest possible water quality. 

Flushing will be done on Mondays and Thursdays between 6 p.m. and midnight to minimize disruptions to water service. 

On June 15 and 18, City crews will be flushing hydrants on the following streets: 

• Alewife Brook Pkwy 
• Cameron Ave
• Claremont St
• Clarendon Ave
• Elmwood St
• Elmwood Ter
• Endicott Ave
• Farragut Ave
• Garrison Ave
• Glendale Ave
• Gorham St (Holland St to Howard St)
• Harrison Rd
• Holland St (Gorham St to Broadway)
• Hooker Ave
• Malvern Ave
• Mead St
• Moore St
• Newbury St
• Seven Pines Ave
• Tannery Brook Row
• Victoria St
• Waterhouse St
• Woodstock St
• Yorktown St

Please note work schedules are subject to change due to weather. Some homes may experience a temporary, slight drop in water pressure and/or discolored water. In these cases, though the water may be discolored, it is safe to drink. Until the water runs clear, it is advisable to avoid washing laundry, especially white fabrics. If any rust stains appear on wet laundry, it should not be dried, and residents can call 311 (or 617-666-3311 from cell phones or outside the city) for a free bottle of rust remover. 

Residents will be notified via signage when their neighborhood will be affected by the Flushing Program. For more information and future updates, visit somervillema.gov/hydrantflushing.  

To contact the Water Department, email water@somervillema.gov or by call 617-625-6600 ext. 5850. 

 Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should contact the ADA Coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.  

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.