Wausau Rhinelander, WI, September 20, 2026 —

The City of Merrill Water Utility has announced a scheduled program of hydrant flushing, set to take place from Monday, September 21, through Thursday, September 24. This routine maintenance activity is conducted to ensure the continued quality and reliability of the municipal water supply.

During the flushing process, water mains are cleared of accumulated sediment and mineral deposits. This can temporarily disturb sediment at the bottom of water mains, leading to discoloration in tap water. Residents in the immediate vicinity of the flushing operations may observe a brown or reddish tint to their water.

The City of Merrill Water Utility advises residents that while the discoloration may be aesthetically displeasing, the water remains safe for consumption. However, to minimize inconvenience, customers are recommended to take certain precautions:

  • Before using water for laundry, check the color. If discoloration is present, it is advisable to run cold water from a faucet for a few minutes until the water runs clear. This may help flush the service line.
  • Avoid running hot water if discoloration is noticed, as this can draw the discolored water into the water heater, potentially causing issues.
  • It is also recommended to refrain from drinking discolored water and to keep pets away from excessively discolored water.

The specific dates for flushing in different areas of Merrill were not detailed in the announcement. The utility aims to complete the flushing by the end of the day on Thursday, September 24. Following the completion of the flushing program, the water quality is expected to return to normal. For further information or to report persistent issues, residents are encouraged to contact the City of Merrill Water Utility directly. The contractor responsible for the work was not specified.


Story summarized from the original created by WSAW Staff on www.wsaw.com, see more information here.

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