Why The Heck Is My Water Brown?

SHREWSBURY, MA—The Shrewsbury Water Department will be conducting water main flushing on Main St. and associated side streets and areas, starting at the intersection of Old Mill Road., continuing easterly to the intersection of South Street., as part of its comprehensive maintenance program.

Flushing will occur daily between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting April 19 and continuing into the first week of May. This program involves the opening of fire hydrants and valves to remove sediment and other material buildup to increase water flows and remove water discoloration. Flushing is critical to maintain water quality and water main flow capacity.

This work may cause discolored water throughout the area. The streets and areas affected will vary by daily progress. At this point, it is difficult to define exactly what streets will be affected on a certain day until the Main Street section is completed.

"We recommend that you avoid doing laundry, food preparation and other water related activities during this time period," said the release from the DPW. "If you experience discolored water after the scheduled flushing completion time, please run your water from your outside faucet closest to where the main water line enters the residence. In the occurrence where the outside water is turned off, run cold water from the first floor bathtub until clear; (Time will vary to restore water clarity). This will help keep sediment out of the hot water and other plumbing fixtures."

Side streets involved in this flushing will include Monadnock Dr., Westview Ave., Gage Ln., Westmont Rd. area, Colton Ln. - Westwood Rd. areas, upper section of Grafton St. and side streets, sections of Boylston St. and Prospect St., Mercury Dr. - Hill St. areas, Chase Terrace, Church Rd., Alden Ave., Gates Rd., Job Cushing Rd., Summer St., Harlow Rd., Francis Ave., Bruce Ave., Old Brook Rd., South St. from Main to Floral St., Julio Dr., Maple Ave. and side streets from Westmont Rd. to Crescent St. and all adjacent areas.

Water Main Flushing Map

Information and photo via Shrewsbury DPW