Automatic flushing valves, like the one pictured here, are important devices used to maintain water quality throughout Melbourne’s vast water distribution system.

If you see one of these devices with water flowing from the bottom (as shown in the video below), please do not be concerned. This is a regular practice that helps maintain water quality in our distribution system.

About 100 of these devices are strategically placed throughout our water distribution system, which includes the cities of Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach, Palm Shores, Melbourne Village and unincorporated Brevard County south of the Pineda Causeway.

They are located in areas where water consumption is low, such as at a terminal or dead-end water line (where a water main stops and is not looped in to the rest of the system). When water sits in a pipe for too long without moving, the quality of the water can degrade.

To prevent that from happening, water is flushed from these devices every other day for 30 minutes. This keeps the water moving and keeps it fresh. The flushing takes place late at night, usually between midnight and 2:30 a.m. when demand for water is low.

If you have any questions about your water, please contact City of Melbourne Public Works and Utilities at 321-608-5150.