Customer Flushing Guide

Discolored water is common after a water main break in your area.

Steps to take if your service was impacted by a water main break:

• If your water looks cloudy or dirty, you should not drink it. Upon return of normal water service, you should aggressively flush the line. Turn off your faucets and run an outside hose or the bathtub and your faucets for 1 or 2 minutes, or until the water runs clear. As a precaution, dump all ice created on the last day. If the discolored water persists, call the District for assistance.
• If you are concerned about the water quality and want to make sure of its safety for the 36 hours after the water service is restored, you may add 8 drops of household bleach to 1 gallon of water and let it sit for 30 minutes. Alternatively, the water can be boiled for 1 minute at a rolling boil to make it safe.
• Do not be alarmed if you experience higher than normal chlorine concentrations in your water supply after the water pipeline work is completed since increased chlorine residuals are used to disinfect the pipelines after the repairs.
• Samples for bacteriological water quality have been collected from the water distribution system to confirm that the water remains safe. You will be advised if the sampling detects a water quality problem.

Do you have a building that has been shut down for an extended period of time?

Buildings that have been shut down for an extended period may have risks from potential exposure to legionella or leached lead and copper. One way to reduce risk is flushing before reoccupying. Larger buildings with more complex plumbing, and features like decorative fountains or a central hot water system for multiple floors and units, may need active management to reduce risks from stagnant water. Visit the California Water Boards website for more information.