Water Main Cleaning Underway, Low Pressure, Discoloration Possible

NEW HAVEN, CT —Perhaps the most relevant news for people from the Regional Water Authority on its water main cleaning this week is this: "Temporarily discolored water may look unappealing, so we recommend that customers wait until it clears before drinking it, showering, or washing laundry."

Water crews are out across New Haven cleaning and "flushing" water mains to "maintain high-quality water and improve water flow."

It's explained that water mains are cleaned by "systematically opening hydrants to force water through the pipes at high velocity." Also known as “flushing.” the water mains.

What does that mean for water customers?

Some customers may experience low water pressure or temporarily discolored water in areas near where mains are being cleaned. Discoloration occurs when naturally occurring minerals in the water that generally settle to the bottom of a water main are stirred up by a change in direction or increased flow rate.

So, while "temporary," the RWA says when water is discolored, people "wait until it clears before drinking it, showering, or washing laundry."

The RWA noted it will "communicate the upcoming main cleaning with customers using our reverse-911 system, CodeRED, website, and social media channels."