Ames water tanks have enough water to begin the hydrant flushing process.

Since multiple water main breaks emptied Ames water towers and compromised city drinking water earlier this week, the Ames Water and Pollution Control Department continues to work to restore safe drinking water to homes and businesses. Residents should not expect drinkable tap water until early next week.

Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn reported water tower levels had reached a level that allowed the Public Works Department to begin flushing water from fire hydrants Friday morning.

Several days of flushing are needed to remove the compromised water from the City’s water distribution system. During the aggressive hydrant flushing schedule, residents are likely to experience rusty water, Dunn said in a news release. Rusty water — like all tap water — should be boiled for three to five minutes before consumption.

“Hydrant flushing is the most important use of our water right now. This is not wasting water,” Dunn said. “We are not back to normal, and this is not over.”