Sheldon, Iowa — If you are a Sheldon water customer, here’s a heads-up for something happening later this month that may affect you.
The Sheldon Water Department tells us they will be performing routine flushing of the water mains on September 10th and 11th between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Water service officials say the essential maintenance is necessary to clear the mains of built-up mineral deposits and sediment, ensure the proper operation of fire hydrants for public safety, and help maintain overall water quality throughout the system.
They tell us that during the flushing period, you may experience temporarily discolored water, which is caused by the mineral sediment being stirred up in the water mains. It is harmless but may stain laundry. You could also notice a slight drop in water pressure, which is normal and temporary. And you may see utility workers operating fire hydrants in your neighborhood — again, this will be in the dark in the late evening and early morning hours.
Sheldon Water Department officials say that to minimize any inconvenience, they recommend that if you need to do laundry, finish it before the scheduled time for the flushing. Avoid using hot water during the flushing, and minimize your overall water use, especially for laundry.
After the flushing is complete, they say you should run the cold water tap nearest to your water meter (typically in a basement utility sink or an outside spigot) for several minutes until it runs clear. If your water still appears discolored, wait 15–30 minutes for the sediment to settle and then flush the cold water again. Once the cold water is clear, you can flush your hot water heater by running the hot water taps until the water runs clear.
Sheldon Water officials say they apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and cooperation as they perform this vital work. For more information, you can contact the Sheldon Water Department at 712- 324-2845.
