Normco Water Customers (Prunedale Area)

Our Operators will be flushing the water system from January 12th to January 23rd, 2026. You may experience low water pressure, cloudy or turbid water, or a chlorine odor. If this happens, you should run all cold-water faucets inside and outside until the water runs clear. If problems persist, please contact our office at 831-722-1389.

Affected streets included: Ave Los Altos, Berta Cyn Ct, Berta Cyn Rd, Berta Ln, Berta Ridge Ct, Berta Ridge Pl, Berta Views Dr,Berta Way, Coker Rd, Eagle Way, Eden Ct, Eden Ln, Eden Path, Falcon Ct, Falcon Way, Grey Eagle, Hawk Dr, Lilac Ct, Oak Rd, Pesante Rd and Sunny Oak Terrace

Hydrant flushing is a routine and vital water system maintenance procedure. For customers, it means a temporary, harmless disruption to their normal water service, the primary effect of which is a potential change in water clarity and pressure. 

Why Utilities Flush Hydrants

Water utilities periodically flush hydrants to: 

• Maintain Water Quality: Flushing removes accumulated mineral deposits (like iron and manganese), rust, and sediment from the water mains, which helps ensure high-quality drinking water and improves clarity, taste, and odor.
• Ensure Fire Protection: The process verifies that fire hydrants and valves are working correctly and that there is adequate water pressure and flow available for firefighting emergencies.
• Remove Stagnant Water: It helps circulate fresh, chlorinated water into areas with low water usage or dead-end lines, preventing the buildup of bacteria and maintaining proper disinfectant levels throughout the system.
• Check Infrastructure: The high-velocity flow helps identify weaknesses in the pipes, closed valves, or other maintenance needs within the water distribution system. 

What Customers May Experience

During the flushing process, customers in the immediate vicinity may notice the following:

• Temporary Water Discoloration: This is the most common effect, as the high-velocity water stirs up harmless sediments in the pipes, causing the water to appear yellow, brown, or rust-colored.
• Reduced Water Pressure: There may be a temporary drop in water pressure while a nearby hydrant is being flushed.
• Temporary Service Stoppage: In some cases, there might be a brief complete stop of water service. 

What Customers Should Do

Water utilities provide guidance for managing these temporary changes: 

• Avoid Usage During Flushing: If you see crews flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water, dishwashers, or washing machines to prevent sediment from entering your home's internal plumbing and potentially staining clothes.
• Flush Your Pipes Afterward: Once flushing in your area is complete, run the cold water tap (preferably at a low-level faucet like a basement sink or outside spigot) for a few minutes until the water runs clear.
• Handle Stained Laundry Correctly: If laundry gets stained, do not put it in the dryer. Keep the clothes wet and use a rust-removing product (some utilities offer free rust remover for stained items).
• Contact the Water Department with Concerns: If discoloration or low pressure persists for an extended period, or for information about the flushing schedule, customers should contact their local Public Works or Water department. 

While the flowing water may look wasteful, it is a necessary maintenance activity that ultimately ensures the integrity of the water system and the continued delivery of safe, high-quality water.