The annual water main flushing by the City of Bellingham’s Public Works department will begin on Thursday, April 1. Water main flushing cleans the pipes of mineral deposits that build up naturally inside pipe walls. If the pipes are not periodically flushed, the build-up can reduce the capacity and the efficiency of the City’s water distribution system. The water used during the flushing operation is de-chlorinated before it is discharged into the city storm drainage system.
It is not uncommon for the flushing activity to cause temporary discoloration of the water. The discolored water is 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. Water customers should not wash white clothes or use their hot water taps when crews are flushing in their area – from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – as mineral deposits, mostly iron, may stain white laundry.
From April 1 through Friday, April 23, the following areas will be flushed:
- West Bakerview Road, Airport area, Bennett Drive, Northwest Road, Aldrich Road, Cordata neighborhood, Guide Meridian from Bakerview Road north to city limits;
- Northwest Avenue, Maplewood Avenue, James Street Road north of Sunset Drive;
- Hannegan Road, East Sunset Drive and Mt. Baker Highway; and
- Tweed Twenty area, north and south of Alabama Street from St. Clair St. to Ellis Street.
For questions regarding the flushing activity, please contact the City of Bellingham Public Works Department at (360) 778-7700 or email mgray@cob.org.
