Residents who wake up to find brown water coming out of their sinks this week need not be alarmed. 

The Wareham Water Department will be flushing hydrants in downtown and in the Pinehurst neighborhood on Tuesday May 16, and on High Street on Wednesday, May 17.

The department flushes hydrants to prevent the buildup of dirt and harmful bacteria in water pipes. As an added departure against bacteria, the water will be slightly chlorinated as well.

The state Department of Environmental Protection recommends against using discolored water, suggesting that residents collect water for drinking, cooking and other uses prior to flushing.