North Powder water discoloration caused by hydrant flushing, public works clarifies

NORTH POWDER – On Monday evening, some North Powder residents may have noticed brown water discoloration from their faucets. According to North Powder public works, this was the result of, predominantly, then ongoing hydrant flushing of the city’s water system, as well as a brief drop in pressure three weeks ago. 

According to public works director Don McClure, the temporary loss of pressure resulted in a manganese reaction that caused some discoloration, though testing proved the water remained safe to drink. On Monday, the local water district and the city’s water certificate holder authorized public works to conduct needed hydrant flushing. The prior manganese buildup combined with the flushing resulted in notable discoloration; reportedly coffee brown by some resident’s accounts. 

The city assures residents that water was and currently remains safe for consumption. With hydrant flushing complete, discoloration should have cleared up. 

During future hydrant flushing operations, common advice from other municipalities is to run an outdoor cold-water faucet to clear the lines of sediment and discoloration.

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Elkhorn Media Group