Restoring Water: What to Do Next
Water service has been restored in your area. As service returns to normal, please follow the steps below to ensure your system is working properly.
Before Using Water
- Recharge or re-pressurize your system slowly (especially important). Re-pressurizing is the process of slowly restoring water pressure to your home's plumbing after a water outage. Opening valves gradually and allowing trapped air to escape helps protect pipes, fixtures, appliances, and pressure tanks from unnecessary stress.
- Turn on a large cold-water faucet slowly (preferably in a bathtub, utility sink or outside spigot to avoid splashing and purge air and sediment).
- Let water run for 5–10 minutes or until it runs clear.
- If you notice cloudy or discolored water, continue flushing until it clears.
Flush Your Plumbing/Appliances
To refresh the water in your home:
- Run all cold-water faucets for several minutes.
- Flush toilets 1–2 times.
- Discard the first batch of ice from automatic ice makers.
- Appliance aeration screens should be clean periodically and after restoration.
Water heater guidance
- Do not use hot water until the cold water runs clear. Running discolored water through your water heater can introduce sediment that may reduce efficiency or damage fixtures and appliances.
For Homes with Pressurized Systems
If your home or business uses a pressure tank, booster pump, or irrigation system:
- Make sure your system has fully re-pressurized before normal use.
- Slowly reopen valves to purge air and prevent water hammer.
- Check pressure gauges to confirm they are within normal operating range.
- Inspect pumps and controls to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- If your system lost prime or is not maintaining pressure, follow manufacturer instructions or contact a professional.
Finally, Check for Leaks!
After water service has been restored, check faucets, toilets, water heaters, irrigation systems, and exposed plumbing for leaks that may have developed during the outage or re-pressurization.
Need Help?
If you experience ongoing issues such as:
- Low pressure
- Persistent discoloration after flushing
- No water service after restoration
Contact:
- (509) 661-4325, option 2 - Monday – Friday 7 am – 5 pm, excluding holidays
- After normal business hours – (509) 663-8121
Thank you for your patience while we worked to restore your water service. We’re committed to providing safe, reliable water for our community.