The changes that may occur in your water are usually only aesthetic (discoloration and metallic taste). IRWD flushes hydrants to test their proper functioning for fire flows, but also periodically to freshen the water supply particularly where the water pipe acts as a "dead-end source." If you have any additional concerns, please contact our Customer Service Department.

Our crews isolate the pipe by shutting off valves and temporarily placing the water supply out-of-service for the time necessary to make the repairs. After repair or replacement of the broken pipe, it is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and flushed, prior to being reconnected to the system. New pipe, like any new container, can produce a new pipe taste and/or odor. This is not uncommon and will usually go away after a few weeks. It is not in any way harmful, only aesthetically displeasing.

You will receive a letter or some other form of notification from IRWD when work is scheduled on your street. However, when we respond to main breaks or other emergencies it may not be possible for us to provide advance notice. Whenever possible our crews will notify you in person and by a notice card left on your door if they are doing an emergency repair that will disrupt your service. Please keep in mind we do not notify customers during late night or early morning hours.

As in a water main break or a hydrant usage, air pockets often form within the water pipes. Natural mineral scale is on the inside of the pipes, and disturbances in the flow of the water (such as air pockets) from the above mentioned activities, often cause mineral scale to slough off and discolor the water or produce particulate matter. If you notice this, especially in your toilet reservoir (toilet reservoirs or tank usually indicate the quality of the water coming into the home), please give us a call. Try to avoid using hot water during this event; otherwise flushing the hot water system may be necessary.

This may indicate a problem with your hot water tank, which is the responsibility of the consumer.