Often when tap water turns discolored, there’s an obvious reason that sediment – primarily rust – has been stirred up in the lines: A water break, a fire incident requiring hydrant use, or firefighters testing hydrants. Recent incidents of brown water in Admiral didn’t seem to relate to any of those categories, so we asked Seattle Public Utilities. We also included an inquiry about an apparent change in the hotline that for many years was answered by an actual live person and now does not. It’s taken a few days, but here’s what we received from SPU spokesperson Cody Bowman late today:
On October 9 and 10, SPU received nine reports of discolored water from customers along Walnut Ave SW.
While the immediate cause of the discoloration remains undetermined, temporary discolored water can occur any time the drinking water system is disturbed, for example due to a water main break, hydrant use or testing, or operational changes. Even without obvious activity nearby, naturally occurring minerals and sediment in the system can occasionally become stirred up.
Customers should continue to call SPU’s 24/7 Operations Response Center at 206‑386‑1800 to report discolored water. The phone system is designed to help callers quickly triage water‑discoloration issues and walk through steps that often resolve the problem right away. If those steps don’t solve the issue, callers are then given the option to speak directly with an operator for further assistance. The system is not designed to prevent access to a live representative; rather, it helps manage high call volumes while still ensuring customers can reach staff when needed.
We appreciate your input and are reviewing opportunities to streamline the menu to make it even easier for customers to reach an operator when they need to.
Though SPU suggests brown water is not uncommon, 10 years ago it was happening often enough in West Seattle that SPU finally planned and carried out a special line-flushing operation.
