Each year, the City of Bellingham Public Works Department flushes out water mains to maintain efficient operation. If not flushed out periodically, mineral deposit can build up on the inside of the pipes. That build-up reduces both the efficiency and the capacity of the City's water distribution system.
While it is not uncommon for the flushing activity to cause temporary discoloration of the water, it not harmful to human health or other household uses. If the water in your residence is discolored, run a cold water tap in the bathtub for a few minutes, this should clear the lines in your house. Customers are advised not to wash white clothes or use their hot water taps when crews are flushing in their area (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), as mineral deposits (mostly iron) may stain white laundry.
Flushing will begin Monday, April 16 and last through Friday, May 4. The flushing is timed for when the City's water reservoirs are full and there likely little water being used for landscaping or to water lawns.
From Monday, April 16, through Friday, May 4, the following areas will be flushed:
- W. Bakerview Road, Airport area, Bennett Drive, Northwest Road, Aldrich Road, Cordata neighborhood, Guide Meridian from Bakerview Rd north to city limits;
- Northwest Avenue, Maplewood Avenue, James Street Road – north of Sunset Drive;
- Hannegan Road, E. Sunset Drive and Mt. Baker Highway; and
- Tweed Twenty area, North & South of Alabama Street from St. Clair Street to Ellis Street.
The water used during the flushing operation is de-chlorinated before it is discharged into the city storm drainage system. If you have any questions regarding the flushing activity, please contact the City of Bellingham Public Works Department at 778-7700 or email mgray@cob.org.
