The East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District’s (ECCV) Utilities Department will be conducting the
Annual Flushing Program during the months of March and April. Flushing water mains is a normal preventive maintenance procedure to improve water quality, safety and test the system regarding fire-flows. This program is an important part of ECCV’s ability to provide fire protection service and to ensure that all hydrants on the system are in good working condition.
ECCV operations personnel will be flushing Monday thru Friday 9am to 3pm. Orange signs will be posted in the various areas where work is being conducted. ECCV’s website is available to check the schedule of when flushing will occur (www.eccv.org). This list will be updated daily. The water is safe to use during this flushing period. Some areas may experience discolored or cloudy water during this time but this will only be temporary. If the discoloration lasts longer than a few hours or you have any questions, please contact the ECCV office at 303-693.3800 x228.
To view the updated Flushing Schedule Calendar please Click Here
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do you flush the water system?
We flush the system to remove settled particles such as iron from the system. This helps to reduce discolored water in the system.
The ECCV website indicates more than one day of flushing, should I refrain from using the water for each date listed?
That’s our recommendation. Large neighborhoods often take several days to flush. You may experience discolored water on any of the dates listed, but particularly when we are in your neighborhood. If the system is stirred up when you use water in your home, you could draw the discoloration into your internal plumbing causing discoloration at your faucets, etc. Our recommendations are; try not to use the water at all when we are flushing in your street and limit activities that cause the greatest discoloration concern such as doing laundry on all dates that the system is flushed.
Can I drink the water during the system flush?
Yes. The discoloration of the water is caused by iron particles and it not a health concern. Understandably, you may not want to drink discolored water even though it’s not a health risk. That’s why we recommend that you store some water prior to the system flush for drinking and cooking purposes. It’s also okay to use water for showering, etc. Just remember that any water use while the system is stirred up may bring the discoloration into your home plumbing.
I did my laundry during the system flush and now it is stained, what do I do?
We do not recommend doing laundry when the water is discolored. If the clothes in your washer are stained, do not dry them. Rewash the load when the water is clear. Some customers have used iron removal products in their wash to remove staining. Iron stain removal products can be found in the detergent aisle at most grocery stores.
Should I take any special precautions with my water softener?
Yes. We suggest you bypass your softener during the period your system is being flushed. When the flush is complete, open an outside faucet closest to the point of entry to your home or start your sprinkler system to help clear any discolored water you may have. Then, put the water softener back on-line and manually start the regeneration cycle.
Do I need to check/run my outside faucet each day of the flush?
It doesn’t hurt to check the outside faucet in the morning. If the water is discolored after running the faucet for several minutes, limit indoor water use.
Who do I contact if I have any additional questions?
Give us a call. Contact our water maintenance unit at 303-693-3800 x 228 for any additional questions or concerns.
