The Miami Beach Fire Department will flush more than 1,400 fire hydrants across the city over 12 nights starting Monday, Sept. 14.

Crews will work from 11 p.m. each night, including weekends, moving south to north in sections through Friday, Sept. 25, the department said on X on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Each hydrant takes less than five minutes to flush, according to the department's official notice.

Annual Checks Catch Repair Needs Early

The annual maintenance checks that hydrants and the water distribution system work properly and flags repair needs before an emergency.

What Residents May Notice

Flushing can stir up sediment in water mains. Nearby homes may see cloudy or discolored tap water during and shortly after the work.

The department advises anyone who notices discolored water to run an outdoor hose spigot, bathtub faucet or sink on full for two to five minutes until the water clears. Residents should also remove and rinse the small screens on kitchen and bathroom faucets to clear any debris.

Emergency Response Unaffected by Flushing

The flushing happens during regular shift hours and does not reduce emergency response times, the department said. If a call comes in, all flushing stops and crews respond immediately.

Why It Matters for Insurance Rates

The hydrant testing feeds into the city's Insurance Services Office (ISO) Fire Score, a national metric insurers use when setting home insurance rates. The department holds the highest possible Class 1 rating.

Schedule Changes Are Possible

The Sept. 14-25 schedule could shift or extend because of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the notice said. No alternate end date has been announced.

Residents with immediate concerns can call the 24-hour Public Works Control Room at 305-673-7625. For questions or coordination, contact the Neighborhood Affairs Division by email at [email protected].