A Message From Your Water Department

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                                  The operation of fire hydrants in your area can produce cloudy or brown  water.                                   This happens when high volumes of water are forced through the water pipes.

The City of Snohomish will  'pre-flush'  the water pipes in the training area in the weeks prior to the fire  to minimize cloudiness in the water.  In the event of cloudy water, the city recommends the following: 

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CLOUDY WATER - is often caused by air bubbles trapped in your water pipes that alter the pressure of the water coming through your faucets. If the cloudiness is caused by Oxygen being forced into the water, the water will calm and clear on its own in a few minutes as the extra oxygen leaves the water.

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BROWN WATER - is often caused by the sediments that settle at the bottom of the distribution pipe being disturbed by the high pressure and volume of water coming through the pipes.   These sediments mostly include iron and manganese from the corrosion on pipes and valves.  Although iron and manganese do not pose health concerns, they can affect the aesthetic of the water.  If you notice brown water, it is best to refrain from using water for about an hour or so to allow the system a chance to settle.  It is also advisable to disconnect the ice cube maker in your refrigerator to avoid brown ice cubes.   After an hour, run the COLD water in your bathtub to see if the brown clears quickly.  You may also want to run an empty cycle in the clothes washer to prevent the possibility of deposits or staining.

 

Further  questions can be directed to the City of Snohomish's Water Quality Control Specialist         Kathy Caldwell at 360-282-3165  or caldwell@snohomishwa.gov  

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