The City of Wenatchee’s Water Resource Department recommends flushing your drinking water pipes after your water is restored, following work or repairs to the water system.

• It is common to have yellow or rusty colored water after work has been done to the water system. Turning off the water supply and then restoring the water supply often disturbs rusty corrosion that is found within ductile iron, steel and galvanized pipes.
• Though rusty water may look and taste unpleasant it is not a health concern for most people.
• It is also common to get air in the water pipes when parts are replaced. Air can cause sputtering faucets and the water to look milky until the air bubbles clear.

Typically, the discoloration or trapped air will clear after flushing the cold-water pipes in the house. If it persists after 30 minutes of flushing please contact our office at (509) 888-3235.

FLUSHING INSTRUCTIONS: 

1.  Locate faucets that can move the largest amount of water without overflowing. 
   Outdoor spigots, utility sinks and bathtub faucets often work well.
2. If the faucet has an aerator (screen) remove it by unscrewing it.  These are most often found on kitchen and bathroom faucets.
3. Turn on the COLD water, let the water come out as fast as it can.
   1. Note the water may splash and spray because you have removed the aerator.
   2. Keep the water running at the highest rate possible without overflowing the sink.
4. Let the cold water run until the discoloration is gone.
   1. If you first noticed the discoloration in a toilet it may take a couple of flushes to remove all of the discolored water.  It is best to do this after the water is running clear in the sinks.
   2. If the discolored water has been drawn into the hot water system, it may continue to be discolored until the discoloration has either been flushed out or allowed to settled in the hot water tank.
5. If aerators were removed clean them under the running water before they are reinstalled.  Turn off the faucet and reinstall the aerator.  If aerators are old or worn, consider replacing them with new ones.