Water Main Flushing - SE Portland

Water Main Flushing
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Hydrant flushing is how Portland cleans the interior of its drinking water pipes to maintain excellent drinking water quality.
Photo of two workers wearing orange safety vests next to an orange hydrant that has a red hose connected to it and white foamy water gushing out of the hose onto the street.
Spring/Summer 2024

The Portland Water Bureau is conducting flushing of water mains. Flushing is routine maintenance to clean the network of pipes to improve water quality. It forces high-speed water through pipes to remove sediments, and brings fresh water into the pipes to improve water quality. Flushing crews temporarily close valves to isolate sections of pipe, and water is directed through an open fire hydrant. Flushing usually occurs Monday through Thursday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Residents in the immediate vicinity of flushing may notice temporarily discolored water and lower than normal water pressure. The discoloration does not pose a health risk. However, limit water use and avoid using hot water or running the washing machine or dishwasher until flushing is complete. If you experience some discoloration in your water from nearby flushing, run the water at one tap for 5 minutes to see if it clears. If it does not clear, wait an hour and try again. When the water runs clear, flush any tap where discolored water was present.

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Contact

Water Quality Line

Ask drinking water quality and pressure questions.
phone number503-823-7525Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Interpretation services available.

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