Hydrants

Hydrant Flushing

Water main flushing is an important part of maintaining a safe and reliable water system.

  • System-wide flushing is conducted twice per year
  • Dead-end flushing is conducted twice per year

Flushing Schedule

Notices are shared through:

  • La Crosse Tribune
  • Radio stations
  • Water Utility website

To get notified of when Hydrant Flushing will be occurring, sign up for notifications by visiting www.cityoflacrosse.org/News-articles and update your information on the Stay Connected pop up. 

For live updates, view the Hydrant Flushing GIS map. 

  • In the map, the city is divided into approximately 23 sections and are flushed in numerical order. 
  • Completed hydrants will be green and those that still need flushing will be red. 
  • By finding the first numerical section that has a mix of green and red, it will give you an idea of approximately where the crews are working now. 
  • Additional information on the flushing program will be on the right-hand column of the map. 

We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to keep your water clean and safe!

Why Flushing Is Done

  • Improve water quality
  • Reduce discoloration
  • Remove sediment and mineral buildup from pipes

How It Works

  • Fire hydrants are opened and closed in a controlled sequence
  • Water moves at high velocity through the system
  • This removes sediment buildup
  • Flushing typically lasts a few minutes to one hour
  • Most locations are completed within 30 minutes

How Flushing May Affect You

  • Low water pressure
  • Temporary loss of water (rare)
  • Discolored water

Discoloration is usually caused by iron (red/orange) or manganese (black) and may stain fixtures or laundry.

What To Expect During Flushing

  • Lower Water Pressure
    • When flushing crews are working close to your residence or business, you may experience periods of very low pressure or even a complete stoppage of service.
  • Discolored water (yellow, brown or reddish)
    • Flushing operations may also lead to discolored water, which can be drawn into homes and businesses if water is being used during or immediately following flushing.
  • Such events should affect customers for a few hours at most when in your neighborhood.

If Your Water Becomes Discolored

  • Run cold water from the faucet closest to your meter (usually a basement sink)
  • Remove the screen or aerator from the faucet (if applicable)
  • Temporarily bypass whole home water softeners or filters if you have them
  • Let water run at full flow until clear
  • This typically takes 5–10 minutes
  • In some cases, it may take slightly longer

Fire Hydrant Use

You cannot use water from a fire hydrant unless you have approval from the City of La Crosse Water Utility.

To use a hydrant, you must:

How to Apply

Send your completed application:

Mail to:

  • Water Utility Meter Shop at 800 East Ave N, La Crosse WI 54601 or,
  • Utilities Office at 400 La Crosse St, 5th Floor, La Crosse WI 54601

Email to: utilities@cityoflacrosse.org

Policy Rules

Why This Policy Exists:

This policy helps:

  • Protect hydrants from damage
  • Keep drinking water safe and clean
  • Ensure hydrants are available for emergencies

Basic Rules:

You must have an approved agreement on file before using a hydrant.

Hydrants are mainly for:

  • Fire protection
  • Water system maintenance

They are not meant for regular or long-term use.

Hydrant Use is Not allowed for:

  • Watering lawns or gardens
  • Any repeated or ongoing use where a permanent water connection should be installed

When Use Is Not Allowed:

The Utility may stop or deny hydrant use if:

  • It could damage the hydrant or system
  • It could affect water quality

The Utility can also:

  • Limit how many hydrants are used
  • Assign specific hydrants
  • Deny use if needed

Equipment & Meters

Equipment You Must Use:

All hydrant users must have:

  • A water meter (provided by the Utility)
  • A backflow prevention device (prevents contamination)

The Utility will:

  • Provide the equipment
  • Show you how to use it correctly

Meters:

  • Installed during business hours only:
    • Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Available sizes:

  • 5/8-inch
  • 3/4-inch
  • 3-inch

Fees will be charged for:

  • Meter use
  • Water usage

Special Rules for Large (3-Inch) Meters:

  • Limited number available
  • First-come, first-served
  • Usually limited to one per contractor
  • You must schedule at least one day in advance
  • Only Utility staff can install or move this equipment
  • No weekend or holiday installations

Using Your Own Equipment (3-Inch Only):

You may use your own device if it:

  • Is approved by the State of Wisconsin
  • Is properly maintained and tested
  • Fits correctly (no modifications allowed)
  • Is supported from the ground (not hanging on the hydrant)

Responsibilities

If you are approved to use a hydrant, you must:

  • Sign and submit the agreement
  • Report where you used hydrants each week
  • Follow all instructions
  • Pay for any damage you cause

Damage and Violations:

  • You are responsible for any damage caused
  • The Utility will repair damage and bill you

If you break the rules:

  • Your hydrant use will be immediately revoked
  • You may face additional penalties

Winter Restrictions (Nov 1 – Mar 31):

Hydrant use is limited during winter.

If you are allowed to use a hydrant:

  • You must report the hydrant location daily by 2:00 p.m. by calling (608) 789-7384
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