Water weirdness in north West Seattle? You’re not alone

| Genesee Hill | Utilities | West Seattle news

Reports of discolored water have come in via e-mail, via Twitter, and the WSB Forums tonight – mostly in the Genesee area. Residents who checked with Seattle Public Utilities say they were told fire crews were running the hydrants earlier today; via e-mail, Eileen adds, “They suggested not running much hot water right now since it will fill up your hot water tank w/ sediment. Wish I’d known that before running the dishwasher tonight!” If you’re having this problem tonight – or encounter it some other time – check out this online advice from SPU.

soosan April 23, 2013 (9:50 pm)

Thank you! I’m on Genesee Hill and the water’s all cloudy tonight, was wondering what was going on…

Diane April 23, 2013 (10:10 pm)

bummer; I’ve had that happen before; why do they do that without any notice to residents?

Bob April 23, 2013 (10:11 pm)

We live about 8 blocks west of the Junction and our water is reddish brown. Started about 8:30 pm tonight.

momoftwoboys April 23, 2013 (11:19 pm)

Has anybody seen a change in water pressure? I imagine it is just coincidental that we are seeing the colored water and having a change in pressure….but thought I’d ask before I call a plumber!

kc April 24, 2013 (6:28 am)

8 blocks west of juction and 2 south of Genesee water still muddy this morning

Kerry April 24, 2013 (8:36 am)

We have had this problem several times in the last couple of months east of Cali Ave. Not hydrant related though. I called the city a couple of times and they assured me it was fine to use. The first explanation was that there had been a lot of water used fighting a couple of fires and that the reservoir needed to settle.

Bob April 24, 2013 (8:39 am)

Our water is clear this morning. Just west of the Junction. It just takes time for the water to clear.

norskgirl April 24, 2013 (12:52 pm)

I agree with Dianne-if not for the WSB, I would not have known the reason for the change in water color/clarity within the house. Bummer as we did run some showers, dish washings and laundry. I would not have done this had I been informed. How is information such as this made known the homeowners/Seattle Public Utilities customers in advance of the activity (so we can respond appropriately and preventatively in advance)??
Thanks.

Susan Stoltzfus April 24, 2013 (5:50 pm)

When SPU does work that could cause discolored water we usually provide notices in advance. But SPU would not know when Seattle Fire is testing hydrants or fighting a fire that draws down the main.

norskgirl April 25, 2013 (7:17 am)

Thank you, Susan, for the patient clarification.

Bill April 30, 2013 (10:28 pm)

Happening to us now too. Genesee Hill – 52nd Ave. Had a truck on our street earlier today. Not sure what it was, but water was streaming down our street.

Sorry, comment time is over.