The City of Niles will be flushing hydrants during May 7. Flushing will begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. through May 11.
Some customers may experience discoloration of water and to reduce any problems this can cause, the following advice is offered:
1. Do not wash laundry between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Before you start, run your water until the temperature of the water changes to cold.  In doing so, you should be able to detect red water before starting your wash.
2. If you experience red water in your wash, do not dry the load of clothes; leave them wet.
A powder may be obtained at no charge from the Utilities Department office that will remove stains. Do not use bleach to remove iron stains as this will oxidize the stain and make it impossible to remove.
3. Although the City of Niles provides water to your residence, persistent red stains could be coming from your own house plumbing, especially if your pipes are galvanized.
4. You should flush your water heater at least two times a month, and more frequently if you have experienced red water.
5. You should apply an approved iron removal chemical to your water softener’s mineral bed.
6. Maintain aerators on faucets, and clean inlet screens on washing machines.
7. If you experience red water in your laundry at a time when the Utilities Department office is not open, you can obtain iron removal products at supermarkets and drug stores.
If you cannot find polyphosphates, oxalic acid can be purchased at drug stores.
• May 7, valving will be conducted and flushing started at 19th to 13th streets, Industrial Park, Carberry Road, Lake to Howard streets and North Fifth to Pucker streets.
• May 8, flushing will continue at 19th to 13th streets, and Howard to Main streets.
• May 9, flushing will be conducted from 13th to Fifth streets and Wayne to Fort streets.
• May 10, flushing will be conducted from Fifth to Front streets, Wayne Street to downtown and Marmont Street to downtown. If time permits, they will also begin on the west side of Niles.
• May 11, flushing will be completed on the west side of Niles.
To verify daily location, call 683-4700 ext. 269.