What is used to flush water mains in addition to firefighting?

Hydrants play a crucial role in maintaining the water distribution system beyond their primary function of providing water for firefighting. They are commonly used to flush water mains to ensure the quality of the water supply. Flushing water mains is essential for removing sediment, maintaining chlorine residuals, and preventing stagnation, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and other unwanted materials in the water system.

When hydrants are opened for flushing purposes, they allow large volumes of water to flow through the mains at high velocity, which helps dislodge any accumulated debris and improves overall water quality. This process also helps to check the functionality of the hydrants themselves, ensuring they are ready for emergency use.

While pumps, lift stations, and pressure tanks are important components of a water distribution system, they do not serve the specific purpose of flushing mains. Pumps are used to move water through the system, lift stations aid in raising water to higher elevations, and pressure tanks maintain system pressure, but none provide the direct capability for flushing that hydrants do.