If you turn on your tap between April 21 and May 2 and the water looks more like iced tea than the usual H2O, don't be alarmed, Englewood's water distribution crew is in full spring-cleaning mode. According to the City of Englewood, fire hydrants will be cranked up to full blast to help clear out the gunk from the water mains.
The purpose of this high-pressure hydrant hustle is to sweep away mineral buildup and sediment lying low in the mains. Some of this gritty guest might make a cameo in your household plumbing, bringing with it a temporary brown tinge to your water. "If you do experience discoloration, please allow the water to run for a few minutes until it clears," the City of Englewood advises residents. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that this is a normal part of the process."
Of course, having brown water flowing from the faucet, even with reassurance, could lead to a flurry of concerned calls or folks scratching their heads. The City's utilities department is at the ready for any queries during this period, and they can be reached at 303-762-2635 for more details or to report any persistent issues.
The annual flushing is not just a decorative display of waterworks but a necessary measure for maintaining the quality and safety of the water supply, so a bit of sediment stirring now is a small price for the greater good of clean, clear water down the road, remember if your water doesn't clear up after a few minutes of letting it run, this is when you should call the utilities department, not before and they can look into it further to ensure everything is flowing as it should.
