Thanks to David for the report: “Looks like we have brown water coming out of our faucets in Upper Gatewood area of West Seattle (I’m near the intersection of 39th Avenue SW and SW Holden).” He called Seattle Public Utilities – always report it via 206-386-1800 – and they attributed it to annual hydrant testing; as noted here last week, a change in procedure is believed to be stirring up sediment (mostly rust) in the lines more than previously.
I don’t understand why they don’t notify us! I have been wondering this since we moved into Gatewood in 2012. Every year I notice too late! This is definitely not good for a hot water heater! If we knew ahead of time I wouldn’t have done my laundry, (that turned all my whites to red), in hot water! I really hope I didn’t ruin my hot water heater or all of my clothes. It is definitely worse than any previous year!
Brown water finally gone as of 6 pm at my place.i learned years ago to NOT do laundry during brown water events. Agree with poster AR SPU/Seattle Fire Department should give an advance heads up or Brown water warning to residents (if possible) when testing local fire hydrants in residential areas.
Attention West Seattle: the Fire Department routinely opens fire hydrants, both for maintenance/testing and for emergency use This might result in short lived Brown water. Live with it.
Several hours of brown water isn’t “short lived”I’ve likely lived in West Seattle a lot longer than you have (born here in 1969 and except for 4 years in the Navy have lived here my whole life) – it wouldn’t kill the City of Seattle SPU/SFD to alert local residents they will be doing maintenance/testing of local fire hydrants and warn folks of brown water issues. Emergency use of fire hydrants obviously can’t be forewarned LOL.
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