What is PWSD doing to address discolored water?

Our solution is two-pronged: we are mitigating the short-term impacts while developing a proactive long-term solution.

Our current efforts include evaluation of our operations, seasonal maintenance activities, and continuing to implement proactive communications measures. We are using sequestration chemicals to help isolate the minerals that cause discoloration in the water, seasonal flushing activities, and continuing to implement proactive communication measures to help alert our customers when issues arise.

Long-term we are implementing filtration at our nine wellhouses to remove the minerals from the water before they enter our distribution system. 

Learn more about the Well House Filtration Project.

What is PWSD doing when it opens up hydrants?

Flushing is a routine maintenance activity that involves opening fire hydrants to release water. Water utilities conduct flushing to eliminate the minerals that settle in the pipes. These are the minerals that cause discolored water. Discolored water primarily occurs when there are changes in seasonal water demands, such as in the spring and fall. 

Households may experience discolored water during times of hydrant flushing and District water line maintenance. After the flushing or maintenance is completed in your area, run cold water to clear any discolored water in your service lines. Put this water to good use by watering plants or grass through a garden hose. 

How will I know when PWSD is flushing?

The Seasonal Flushing program for 2023 has been completed. We will notify our customers when we begin again in 2024. 

We perform seasonal and incident-based system maintenance, which includes water main flushing to reduce the frequency of discolored water in our water mains. 

• Listen for automated calls from us letting you know when crews will be working in your area.
• Watch for social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and especially on Nextdoor to stay informed as to when crews will be flushing in your neighborhood. 
• Look for signs in your neighborhood notifying you of flushing operations.