Natick Water Discoloration Is Part Of Routine Maintenance, Officials Say

NATICK, MA — If your tap water looks dirty over the next few weeks, don’t be alarmed. The town is beginning the spring process of flushing its water mains, which may result in discoloration, according to a public notice last week.

Flushing the water pipes – also known as hydrant flushing, since the H2O is usually discharged through fire hydrants – is an important part of maintaining Natick’s drinking water, the town said.

The flushing will take place at night, Monday through Thursday, for several weeks. If residents notice discoloration, they should run cold water for about 20 minutes from the faucet closest to their property’s water meter. That should clear up the problem.

Most municipalities including Natick flush their water mains each spring and fall.

“Water main flushing moves water systematically through sections of a drinking water distribution system, creating a scouring action to clean the line,” the state Department of Environmental Protection says in a fact sheet.

“The increased flow rate scours the water pipe’s inner walls and helps to remove build-up of naturally occurring debris and sediment.”

See Also: Drinks, Food, Ice At Risk Of Contamination In Falmouth

While flushing is underway, water quality may be “temporarily reduced,” according to the DEP.

“You do not want to draw the water being flushed from the mains into your home piping. Using the water during flushing may result in staining or sediment in laundry, ice machines, dishwashers, bathtubs or hot water tanks,” the fact sheet says.

Water-main flushing areas

The Natick Department of Public Works is providing updates about the flushing process here. On Monday, properties along nearly two dozen roadways were scheduled for flushing.

• Archer Drive
• Barnesdale Road
• Cecil Road
• Chrysler Road
• Columbia Avenue
• Commonwealth Road
• Dean Road
• Essex Road
• Hampton Road
• Hartford Street
• Mercer Road
• Ridge Avenue
• Robinhood Road
• Speen Street
• Stagg Drive
• Stetson Road
• Strathmore Road
• Superior Drive
• Timber Lane
• Travis Road
• Worcester Street (MA Route 9)