Daly City – Routine flushing of Daly City’s water distribution system to improve water quality will begin the week of August 28, 2006 with expected completion in February 2007. Water Department crews will be working from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The unidirectional flushing process removes sediment and mineral deposits through the opening and closing of system valves and fire hydrants. Residents will notice water running down the street during this operation, and it is not a cause for alarm. It will take approximately one hour to flush one city block.

While flushing is taking place in the neighborhoods, residents are advised to take precautions to avoid the potential for discolored water entering household plumbing systems by minimizing water usage. In particular, avoid washing clothes until the evening hours in order to prevent possible staining.

To alleviate the impacts of discolored water, residents are advised to initially run only the cold water at the tap. If discoloration is observed, water users should let the cold water run for several additional minutes until it clears. For conservation purposes, the discolored water can be saved for watering plants with no harmful effects. The discoloration results from naturally occurring sediment and mineral deposits and while aesthetically unpleasant, it is not a health hazard. Residents may also experience cloudy or milky water created by air bubbles when opening and closing water valves. If running cold water does not clear the problem after 10 minutes, residents are encouraged to notify the Daly City Department of Water and Wastewater Resources at (650) 991-8200 and a water system operator will be dispatched to provide further assistance.

Up-to-date information, including a schedule for when streets are being flushed, can be obtained by calling (650) 746-8342. Information about the water main flushing program may also be found on the City of Daly City’s website at www.dalycity.org.