St. Charles fall hydrant flushing begins Oct. 5

Published on September 22, 2026

The City of St. Charles is flushing hydrants beginning October 5 and continuing through November 6. Please note that hydrant flushing could temporarily cause water discoloration, even for homes outside the flushing area. The discoloration is caused by minerals that get stirred up in the water mains during flushing.

Public Works performs hydrant flushing as part of the regular maintenance to the City’s water distribution system. Flushing water through the mains helps reduce mineral build-up and ensures the hydrants are ready for emergency use.

St. Charles is divided into zones for hydrant flushing: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast and the inner River Valley East and West. Main Street (IL Rt 64) divides the north/south areas, and the Fox River divides the east/west.

Hydrant Flushing Schedule

• Northwest – October 5 - 9
• Southwest – October 12 - 16
• Southeast – October 19 - 23
• Northeast – October 26 - 30
• River Valley East & West – November 2 – 6

Signs announcing hydrant flushing will be posted in affected neighborhoods. Flushing may start as early as 5 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m.

Discolored Water Possible

Please note water is safe to use and consume during hydrant flushing. However, water may temporarily be rusty colored. Consider the following actions during hydrant flushing:

• Limit water use, if possible.
• If water appears discolored, wait until flushing has subsided then run the cold water tap in your bathtub or utility sink until it runs clear (or in 10-minute increments).
• Remember rust-colored water is safe, but it may stain laundry. If this happens, keep clothes wet and treat them with stain remover. Free stain remover is available for residents at the Public Works facility, 1405 S. 7th Avenue.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 630.377.4405 or visit the Hydrant Flushing page on our website.