Water System Flushing Program

WMWD_Flushing_01 Western has a water system flushing program that helps to maintain high-quality water throughout our service area. Flushing operations are required on a regular basis by the California Department of Public Health. During a flushing operation in your neighborhood, you’ll see crews flushing via fire hydrants and end of water main blow off pipes.

In order to properly conduct flushing operations, the water flowing in the pipes must reach maximum velocities. These higher than normal velocities will scour the insides of the distribution piping, helping to clean out any bio-films or silt that may be present.
In most cases, it’s not possible to capture and reuse the water being flushed due to the high velocity and volume of water being released.


Why Flushing is Important



Bacteria Control


Biofilm growth in drinking water systems can occur when an area becomes stagnant; it can be eliminated through flushing.

Taste & Odor Control


Flushing removes many of the deposits, sediment, and other materials that can affect taste and odor.

Corrosion Control


Flushing introduces higher than normal water velocities that literally scour the inside of water lines and, thus, reduces corrosion.

Fire Hydrant & Valve Exercising


Operating fire hydrants and valves helps to ensure that they’ll work properly in an emergency.

When we flush our system in front of your home, we suggest you not use the water in your home as the water quality may be temporarily reduced. After we leave the area, if you haven’t used the water during the time we’re flushing, your water quality should be unaffected and you may return to normal use. 		 WMWD_Flushing_02 
 
NOTE: During the flushing process, you may experience some fluctuation in water pressure and may see some discoloration or sediment in your water. If you do experience this temporary inconvenience, please open your outside faucet and briefly flush for a few minutes to clean the lines. Questions? Call 951.789.5119. For more information, read our Water Flushing System Program factsheet or the Water Flushing System FAQ.