Discolored Water Protocol

We have received notice from a patron that they have discolored water this morning (patron lives along 81 highway). This is due to the leak repair on Monday at 81/Noble. It is impossible for the District to know if, when, or where discolored water is going to appear following a leak repair. Once we receive notice from a patron, however, we can start flushing water lines in the area that discolored water has been identified to minimize the transport of manganese and iron through the pipes. Due to where the discolored water is located today, flushing will be done along 81 highway and down Noble Rd.

It may take several days or up to a week for the discolored water to work its way through the water system. Following is a protocol to follow should you find discolored water in your house lines. 

What Causes Discolored Water?

Following a leak repair or system disruption, you may notice your water has a discolored appearance—ranging from a light tea color to, in some cases, darker water. This is caused by naturally occurring manganese and iron particles in the water. These minerals are usually invisible, but over time, they can settle in water lines and become dislodged during line breaks or repairs, leading to a temporary change in water color.

Important: This discoloration is not harmful to health.

What To Do If You Have Discolored Water

To help clear your pipes and minimize the impact of discolored water, please follow these steps:

1. Stop or limit water use immediately
   This helps prevent the spread of discolored water through your home’s plumbing system.

2. Bypass water softeners and filtration systems
   If discoloration is severe, avoid using hot water and consider bypassing in-house filtration systems until the water runs clear.

3. Contact our office
   Notify us of the issue. We will dispatch a system operator to flush the main line supplying your home. If you inform us about your personal flushing efforts, we will credit your account for the water used.

4. Use an outdoor hydrant (if available)
   If your property has an outdoor hydrant before the water line enters your house, run the hydrant until the water is clear.

5. Flush through an outdoor faucet
   Once the hydrant water is clear, attach a garden hose to an outdoor faucet and run water away from the house until it is clear.
   (This is the most effective method.)

6. Flush through an indoor faucet (if no outdoor option is available)
   Run water in a bathtub or sink until the discoloration clears from household lines.

7. Prepare for future disruptions

   • Keep jugs of water on hand for toilet flushing

   • Stock bottled water for drinking and cooking

   • To clean discolored toilet bowls and tanks, Lysol Lime & Rust Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel is recommended.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to maintain and improve water service in your area. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our office.