It was the third day of water main flushing in the city. This is part of the water department’s annual maintenance and inspection process.

“We do this to ensure the city has safe drinking water,” said water department employee Nick Price. The purpose of flushing water mains was to clean out the water lines. It was also a chance to check all the fire hydrants in town to make sure they are in working order.

By allowing water to flow out of the main, the city is able to remove any impurities that could build up in the lines. During the flushing process, the city tests samples of water coming out of the main. Once the water is clear, they move on to the next hydrant.

Price said it would likely take around three weeks to flush all the mains in New Ulm. Currently, staff are working on the State Street mains. Thursday, the water department will continue flushing on the north end of State Street.

The water main at S. 10th and State was open Wednesday morning as part of the city’s fall cleaning of waterlines and inspection of fire hydrants.

Price said after State Street is complete, the department will move west to Washington Street and continue in that direction until all the mains are complete. The city usually splits water main flushing between the spring and fall.

The water department advised residents to avoid laundering clothes when flushing is occurring in the neighborhood and allow an hour after daily flushing for the water to clear. If residents experience discoloration after flushing, they are advised to run their water until it clears.

If problems arise, call the water department at 359-8279 or, after 3:30 p.m., call 359-8264.

New Ulm’s water department conducts the fall flushing of the water mains on south State Street Wednesday. The city will continuing flushing the mains on north State Street Thursday then move west to Washington Street.