What causes water discoloration?

Common Causes:
 

• Water Main Break:  Water is discolored due to higher velocity flow and reversal of flow associated with water main breaks.
• Hydrant Flushing:  During the flushing process the water can become discolored.  The purpose is to flow larger volumes of water to scour the water mains and remove sedimentation.
• Fire:  When a fire occurs at a location the resulting high flow from the hydrant use can result in discolored water.
• Street Sweepers/Paving Rollers:  Although this type of hydrant use is allowed; if not operated correctly the hydrant being used to supply water to these machines can cause discoloration
• Fire Flow Test:  The fire flow test is taken for the design of a fire sprinkler system.  Two hydrants are run simultaneously to measure static, residual and flow.  This can at times cause discoloration as well.