What causes a rusty water “event”?
Any occurrence which causes a change in water pressure in the city’s drinking water distribution system may dislodge rust and sediment that normally lies on the bottom of a water main. Such occurrences can be caused by the use of fire hydrants, construction projects, or heavy water use in particular areas. The fast flow of water and turbulence through the main, stirs up the sediment causing discoloration in your water. Q: What can be done by a water user to make rusty water go away? A: Running several cold water taps at full force for a short period will usually flush out rusty water. A general recommendation is to flush for 20 minutes, then if the water is not clear, wait for half an hour before flushing for 20 minutes again. Running water in the garden hose is often an effective way to flush your system, and you can water your landscaping at the same time. We also recommend that you do not do laundry during the rusty water event as the rust can stain clothing. It is also best not to
