Flushing FAQs
Why does OCWA flush water mains?
OCWA’s Annual Flushing Program helps maintain water clarity throughout our distribution system. Each year, from spring through fall, water mains in select areas are flushed to remove sediment and deposits. The work rotates among communities each year to help cover OCWA’s service area.
The Flushing Program also gives OCWA personnel an opportunity to operate and exercise valves and fire hydrants. If any problems are found during flushing, they are addressed to ensure that hydrants and valves are in good working order during an emergency.
Additionally, water mains in certain areas may need to be flushed unexpectedly due to emergencies, water main breaks and repairs, or water quality issues. Flushing related to these unforeseen circumstances is performed by OCWA’s Distribution and Operations teams and is separate from OCWA’s Annual Flushing Program.
How are water mains flushed?
The flushing of water mains involves the systematic closing of various valves and opening of fire hydrants. This causes rapid flow of water through the mains that removes sedimentation and deposits. During routine flushing, crews begin the process at OCWA water tanks and transmission mains, then work street by street over the course of several weeks, closing and opening valves to direct the flow of water.
When are routine Flushing Program activities conducted?
Days: Monday – Thursday
Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Program Duration: Spring through Fall
How can I find out when the mains in my area will be flushed?
OCWA notifies customers prior to routine Flushing Program activities through its Customer Alert System. To learn more about the alert system and sign up for alerts, visit https://www.ocwa.org/alerts/.
How long does it take to flush a street?
It typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to flush the water mains on a residential street. However, flushing time is dependent on the number of hydrants and the water main configuration.
How many days will my water be affected by flushing activities?
The water mains on your street will typically be flushed only once when the Flushing Program crew is in your area, however, while they are working in your neighborhood you may experience lower pressure at your premises during flushing activities.
Will I still have water during the flushing activities?
In most cases you will still have water during the flushing of your street or neighborhood, however you may temporarily experience lower water pressure or discoloration. We recommend that you minimize water use while we are flushing your street or area to avoid drawing sediment and discolored water into your plumbing.
We also recommend avoiding the use of hot water, to avoid pulling sediment, deposits and discolored water into your water heater. You may want to turn off automatic dishwashers, washing machines, and lawn sprinkler systems, and bypass any water filtration or softening systems.
NOTE: Once the flushing of a water main is complete, open a COLD-water faucet closest to the point where the water enters your home or building. Allow the cold water to run for a few minutes until it runs clear. Once the cold water is running clear, you can return your water treatment and/or other automatic systems back into service.
What should I do if I experience discolored water?
After flushing activities have concluded in your area, run the cold water tap from a faucet located as close to the meter as possible (i.e., in the basement) for 10 to 15 minutes until the discolored water clears. If discolored water persists, please contact OCWA’s Operations Department at 315-455-7061 ext. 3106 or after hours at 315-475-7601. The water is safe to use; however, customers should refrain from doing laundry or drinking water that is discolored.
Can I do laundry during flushing?
To avoid potential staining of laundry, we recommend that you do not do laundry during flushing activities. Once flushing has been completed on your street, run a cold-water facet in the basement or lowest level, closest to where the water enters your home or building. Run the water until it is clear.
What should I do if laundry and is discolored after flushing?
If laundry is pink or red due to sediment from flushing activities, avoid drying; keep laundry wet and soak in water along with OxiClean or Red-B-Gone added per the directions on the package. After soaking, wash again.
OxiClean and Red-B-Gone are available at retail stores like Walmart, home improvement stores such as Lowes and Home Depot, and at some hardware stores. Additionally, OCWA has Red-B-Gone available for pick up during normal business hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm) at our headquarters at 200 Northern Concourse in Syracuse.
What should I do if my water is cloudy or milky?
Milky colored water is often caused by air in the water. Confirm this by filling a glass with water from the tap and checking for bubbles rising to the top. If you allow water in the glass to stand for a few minutes, the air should completely dissipate. To remove air from the line, run a cold-water faucet at the highest location in the house for about 15 minutes. If the problem persists, call OCWA’s Operations Department at 315-455-7061 ext. 3106.
Why is my water running slowly?
If the problem is with one faucet only, it may be a plugged faucet filter screen or aerator. Clean or replace the screen or aerator.
If more than one faucet has low pressure, check the following:
- Shut-off Valve: Make sure the valve is open all the way.
- Pressure Regulator or Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV): Your plumber can test, adjust, and/or replace the valve as needed.
- Supply Line: If other houses in your area are experiencing the same problem, call OCWA’s Operations Department at 315-455-7061 ext. 3106 or after hours at 315-475-7601.