See It?

The following series of issues relate to discoloration or particles you can easily see when filling up your glass, bathtub, or toilet.

Discolored water on the cold water line can result from both controlled and uncontrolled events in the water distribution system. This can include main breaks, use of fire hydrants for fire fighting, water main flushing efforts, and other normal system operations. Plumbing inside your home or office can also be the cause of discolored water. This is especially true if you consistently see slight discoloration each morning when you first turn on the tap.

If you have discolored water, a main break, or other situation in your area that has resulted in your drinking water being discolored, the best thing you can do is flush your plumbing. Please follow the following instructions:

Flushing After a Discolored Water Event

As noted in this tool, there are times where our crews do work in an area and disturb sediment in the water main. This may cause temporary discolored water in your home. If you noticed discolored water, follow these steps:

1. Flush the COLD water faucet in the bathtub (or elsewhere that has individual hot and cold knobs – you do NOT want to pull from the hot water faucet).
2. After this faucet runs clear, flush all other COLD water household faucets.
3. If discolored water has been drawn into the water heater, it may continue to be discolored until the discoloration has either been flushed out by use or has settled. You may need to flush your water heater. If so, please follow your water heater manual or call a licensed plumber.

Please view the below information to determine the likely cause of your discoloration issue.

If you experience yellow, brown, or red water for more than 24 hours, please call Customer Service at (502) 583-6610.

If your issue has not been addressed through this troubleshooting tool, and you would like a Water Quality Team Member to contact you, please contact us.