Expect temporary discoloration due to EVMWD water flushing

Water flushing, one neighborhood at a time, will take place throughout March in Canyon Lake by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD). When this occurs, discolored, but safe, water may be temporarily noticed coming from faucets, the district said. The process is required by the California Department of Health to maintain water quality throughout the system.

“Flushing is a regular part of ensuring that our customers receive high-quality water 24/7,” said Jase Warner, EVMWD’s director of operations. “This preventative maintenance activity not only verifies that the hydrants in our area are working correctly, but it also removes sediments and other deposits that naturally accumulate in water pipes.”

Canyon Lake will have its water flushed in March and is scheduled to take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The water flushing process forces water through the water main at a high rate of speed. This water is then discharged through hydrants. Water that is flushed through the pipelines travels down into neighborhood gutters and eventually makes its way back to Canyon Lake – one of EVMWD’s water storage areas – for use at a later time.

Customers may notice a temporary reduction in water quality and water pressure in their homes while flushing is in process on their street, the district said. When hydrant flushing occurs, customers may observe slightly discolored water coming from their faucets. This discoloring is temporary and only affects the appearance of water and does not cause a health or safety risk, officials said.

If water is discolored after water flushing, EVMWD officials suggest running cold tap water for a few minutes until the water becomes clear.

If customers experience discoloration for a prolonged time or experience a significant loss of water pressure following hydrant flushing, the district is asking them to call EVMWD’s Operations Department at 951-674-3146 x8305 for assistance.

Regular water flushing is required by the California Department of Public Health. In addition, the district says it is an important part of EVMWD’s water maintenance system as it controls bacteria, such as biofilm growth that can occur when water in a pipeline has lower demand.

It also removes many deposits, sediment and other materials that can affect taste and odor, reduces corrosion through scouring the inside of the water pipeline and ensures that hydrants and valves are working properly in the case of a future emergency.