Brown-water watch: Today, Puget Ridge, upper South Alki, Highland Park

2:27 PM: We’ve been tracking what have become relatively frequent reports of brown water, usually attributed by Seattle Public Utilities to hydrant testing (after a recent procedure change) stirring up “sediment” (mostly rust) in the lines. Today, we have a report from Rob on 17th in Puget Ridge: “Just ran the tap and the water color is like iced tea.” If this happens to you, please always report it to SPU at 206-386-1800; we appreciate the reports as well, since there’s no other public compilation of where and when it happened.

3:26 PM: We also have reports from upper South Alki via email and Highland Park via a comment below.

3 Replies to "Brown-water watch: Today, Puget Ridge, upper South Alki, Highland Park"

  • SM June 7, 2023 (2:50 pm)

    We noticed brown water around 18th and Elmgrove about an hour ago

  • Robert Becker June 8, 2023 (7:29 am)

    Had brown water yesterday afternoon. West Seattle Blog suggested checking with Seattle Public Utilities to see if they were doing fire hydrant testing in the area. A later call back from SPU confirmed that was the case. Water was running clear by early eve. CheersROB

  • Sabrina June 8, 2023 (5:02 pm)

    We have brown water (again!) We’re at 53rd and Admiral. This has been the third time (that we’ve been aware of) that our water has been brown in less than a week. I spoke with someone at Seattle Utilities who was super nice and compassionate. From what I understand it’s the fault of the fire department (still testing fire hydrants.) Was about to give my 6yr old a bath and the tub water was super gross. Kind of over it. 

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