Frank Frenzel, crew chief of water distribution for the city of Lebanon, checks the chlorine content of water being let out of hydrants as part of the "Big Flush" Monday afternoon, in front of a home on 15th Street. Water being flushed within 1,000 feet of a waterway, in this case Burkhart Creek, is required to be dechlorinated. Fist-size tablets composed mainly of vitamin C are used to dechlorinate the water coming out of hydrants.

The city's public works department started flushing the city's public drinking water system on Monday. Five million gallons of water will be flushed through more than 400 hydrants and more than 1,000 valves. The project is expected to take up two weeks and crews will be working between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

City employees flush the water system annually to provide maintenance before problems arise, and ensure sufficient water flow to fire hydrants. During this time, residents may see discoloration of water as fire hydrants throughout Lebanon will be opened up and sediment may be stirred up.

Community members are asked to run cold water faucets for any appliance until it runs clear before using the appliance. If water is still discolored, call 258-4914 or 258-4916. Toilets should be flushed twice after first use. Residents may notice decreased water pressure when city employees are working in their area.