When will I see discolored water or will I only see discolored water on my scheduled flushing day?

The greatest likelihood that you will see discolored water is while the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is flushing in your immediate area on your scheduled flushing day. However, please be aware that you may see discolored water at any time during BPU water main flushing, because of the following reasons: 

  • Flushing disrupts the entire water system and it is difficult to predict exactly when and where discolored water will occur.
  • Flushing may occur in your general area over a multi-day period.

With this in mind, please be sure to check for discolored water before doing laundry while BPU daytime flushing is taking place. We suggest that you wait to do laundry on days other than your scheduled flushing day, because the discolored water can stain your clothes (especially white and light colored clothing).

If it is your scheduled flushing day, we also recommend that you be careful to check for discolored water before using hot water (e.g. to take a shower) during the hours that flushing is set to occur. It may be best to try to take showers or baths before or after (in the early morning or evening) flushing is set to take place on your scheduled flushing day.

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1. When will I see discolored water or will I only see discolored water on my scheduled flushing day?
2. Why should I be aware of my scheduled flushing day?
3. How can I check for discolored water in my home?
4. Is it safe to use and flush my toilet on my scheduled flushing day?
5. What if I did laundry and the discolored water stained my clothes?
6. What if I pulled discolored water into my hot water tank?
7. Is discolored water safe?
8. What if I do not want to drink or cook using discolored water, even if it is safe?
9. Why does the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) flush their water mains?
10. Why does the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) flush during the daytime?
11. My area was just flushed and I am experiencing low pressure or volume from my faucet, why?