PORT ORCHARD — The city of Port Orchard will be flushing its fire hydrants Beginning Feb. 27 as part of a semi-annual inspection that allows its public works department to flow each hydrant and to perform preventative maintenance.

Mark Dorsey, city public works director, said that individual hydrants will be turned on to allow a full flow. Residents nearby will notice water flowing along the street at times. In addition, he said the large flow of water will stir up any naturally occurring sediment in the water mains. The inspection flushes the sediment from the water system.

“It is possible that customers will notice sediment in the water at their house faucets during this week,” Dorsey said. “If this occurs, people are advised to turn off the inside faucet, then allow water to run from an outside hose bib or the cold water tap of the bathtub until the water runs clear again.”

Don’t use hot water to clear the water, he said. The water should only have to run a few minutes before it is clear again.

Dorsey said the city treasurer’s office will apply a small credit to the water bill at the request of the ratepayer when it’s necessary.

Questions about the process should be directed to the public works department at 360-876-4991.