Flushing Water Notice for Non-Bacterial Contaminants

If you are asked to flush your household and building water lines you may use the following guidance.

Flushing your household and building water lines including: interior and exterior faucets, showers, water/ice dispensers, water treatment units, etc.

Take care during such flushing not to come into contact with the water. If contact is made, immediately use bottled water to wash the contacted area. Obtain medical help if you are experiencing symptoms.

Cold Water Faucets: First open and flush for a minimum of 5 minutes all cold-water faucets in the premises, including kitchen, bathroom, shower and other faucets, including outdoor faucets.  If you have a single-lever faucet, set it to run the cold water first.

Hot Water Faucets: Next, change all faucets to hot water and flush hot water for a minimum of 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot water tank. Flush for a minimum of 30 minutes for an 80-gallon hot water tank or larger. Never use water from the "hot" faucet for drinking, cooking, or other internal-consumption purposes.

Dishwashers and laundry washing machines: Run empty dishwashers and laundry washing machines one complete cycle. Rewash any clothes washed on the day or days the water was contaminated. (If unsure of the dates contact your water Department.)

Humidifiers: Discard any water used in humidifiers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral, medical or health care devices, and rinse the device with clean water.

Also

Food and baby formula: Discard baby formula and other foods prepared with water on the day or days the water was contaminated. (If unsure of the dates contact your water Department.)

Refrigerator water-dispensing machine: Flush line for 3-5 minutes.

Ice cubes: Ice cubes made on the day or days the water was contaminated should be discarded. (If unsure of the dates contact your water Department.) Automatic ice dispensers should be emptied and run through a 24-hour cycle, discarding the ice at the end of each cycle to assure purging of the icemaker water supply line. For medical, dental, and food-service establishments, please refer to the guidance on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website.

Due to the flushing of the lines by residents and the flushing of the hydrants, some customers may experience a lack of water pressure and/or discolored water. However, this is an expected result and does not pose an immediate health risk. Contact your local Water Department if you have any questions.