Flushing
Flushing Program
West Valley Water District is currently flushing pipelines throughout our service area. Flushing is necessary to maintain the successful operation of the District and is required by the State Water Resources Control Board – Division of Drinking Water. Read on to learn more.
Importance of Flushing
Flushing involves running water at high speeds through hydrants or blow-off valves to remove sediment that builds up at the bottom of the water main over time. The District continues to engage in water conservation and and when water is flushed at this velocity and volume, it seeps back into groundwater supply to minimize water loss. We only release the optimal amount of water to sufficiently flush pipelines. Here are a few reasons why flushing is beneficial:
- Reduces damage from corrosion and prevents bacteria growth by pushing water through pipelines at high speed
- Removes sediment and mineral deposits that can affect water taste, color, and odor
- Ensures that hydrants and valves will work properly to better respond during emergencies
Keeping Our Customers Informed
Flushing will take place during the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Your water service will not be shut off during this time. You may experience a temporary reduction in water pressure by up to 50% during flushing. Our crew will also have signs on-site to indicate that flushing is happening, as well as brochures to explain the process.
What To Expect
West Valley Water District will not need access to your home to flush pipelines. During flushing, you may see or hear activity in the street and sidewalks, including visible running water, but we will make sure that you have access to your home and driveway throughout the project time. Please use extra caution while driving near flushing operations. Your water quality will not be affected and it is safe to drink water from your tap during flushing.
During this kind of maintenance, you may notice temporary discoloration or sediment in the water, which may stain laundry. If you see flushing happening in the street and experience discolored water, we recommend refraining from doing laundry during that time to avoid stains. If you experience discolored water, you may need to flush your internal plumbing. To do this, run your outdoor water faucet (such as your front hose bib) or a cold water faucet without a filter (so your filter does not become clogged) until the water is clear, then run the rest of your cold water faucets inside your home until the water is clear.
You may check our Facebook page for updates about upcoming projects. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at (909) 875-1804.
