UPDATE: Brown water in Gatewood

| Gatewood | Utilities | West Seattle news

4:33 PM: So far we have two reports from Gatewood this afternoon about discolored tap water. No emergencies are showing on the Seattle Public Utilities water map, which means hydrant testing is a possibility – that tends to stir up sediment (rust) in the pipes, and as we reported recently, this is the start of the busy season for testing. If brown water happens to you, be sure to contact SPU’s 24/7 hotline at 206-386-1800 to let them know, even if you think someone else in your neighborhood already has. (And don’t do laundry until you’re sure the water’s running clear!)

8:27 PM: As noted in comments, SPU confirmed hydrants were being tested.

Evelyn March 25, 2024 (4:51 pm)

From SPU about 4:30:Sediment stirred up by firefighters working on hydrants. It should clear up within a few hours, overnight at the latest.

Brooke B. March 25, 2024 (5:45 pm)

Confirming your recent post. Been timing it and it’s been about 4.5 hours. 😞Called the city at the 3 hour mark and they said they’re aware.I’m filtering with a backpacking filter until it’s clear 😅.

Gatewood March 25, 2024 (7:07 pm)

SFD was testing hydrants on Holden and Ida, 41st to Calif this morning

Tad March 25, 2024 (8:24 pm)

Still horrible water here in Gatewood at 8:24PM

Kate March 25, 2024 (8:28 pm)

Agreed – still bad here. Pretty frustrating that we don’t get any notice whatsoever.

Adam March 25, 2024 (9:09 pm)

Water inspector told me over the phone to expect to wait until morning.

Gatewood1 March 25, 2024 (9:34 pm)

Indeed Kate! How about the elderly or visually impaired that have to find out the hard way by ingesting this horrible quality. I won’t even wash my dishes in this crap let alone take a shower. It’s been all day btw too, a few hours have come and gone a long time ago. I get it we are still fortunate but a little notice would be nice. Maybe we should sue for a break on our water bills to get their attention. Not to mention, what the hell is potentially doing to my water heater? Oh just drain it you say? Pay me for my time.