Brown or discolored water

Brown or discolored water is caused by iron and mineral sediment being disturbed in the water mains or in your home’s plumbing. The water may appear yellow, brown, or rusty. It is not a health hazard, but should clear before you use it for laundry or cooking.

Common causes

• Water main flushing. Routine maintenance that moves water through the mains at high velocity to remove sediment buildup. Learn more about directional flushing.
• Water main break or repair. When a main is shut down and restored, sediment can be disturbed. A boil water notice may also be issued.
• Fire hydrant use. Firefighting activity or hydrant testing can change flow patterns and stir up sediment in nearby mains.
• Construction activity. Nearby excavation or utility work can affect water lines and disrupt flow.
• Aging internal plumbing. Older homes with galvanized steel pipes may produce discolored water from corrosion inside the home’s own plumbing — not the district’s mains.

What to do

1. Avoid doing laundry. Sediment can permanently stain clothing.
2. Do not run hot water. This prevents sediment from entering your water heater.
3. Run a cold water faucet at full pressure for 3–5 minutes or until the water clears. If the water does not clear, wait 30 minutes and try again.
4. Clean your faucet aerators. Trapped sediment is the most common cause of reduced pressure after a discoloration event.

When to contact us

If your water remains discolored after several hours, or if the issue recurs frequently, contact us. Including your address will help us check for active main work or flushing in your area.