Posted August 25, 2026

August is National Water Quality Month! The district works year-round to ensure the water we deliver is of the highest quality. One of the most important ways we maintain water quality and the reliability of our system is through routine hydrant flushing.

With much of Colorado experiencing ongoing drought conditions, conserving water is more important than ever. Customers are encouraged to follow current watering restrictions and look for ways to reduce unnecessary water use. However, customers may still see water being released from fire hydrants as crews perform necessary hydrant flushing.

Hydrant flushing removes sediment and rust that can accumulate in water mains, helps maintain proper chlorine levels, keeps water moving to prevent stagnation, and helps protect the integrity of our pipelines. Flushing also ensures hydrants are operating properly and providing adequate flow should they be needed for firefighting.

We understand that seeing water flowing from a hydrant during drought conditions may raise questions about water conservation. While hydrant flushing does use water, it is a necessary system maintenance activity and is carefully planned and performed to maintain water quality, system reliability, and fire protection.

During flushing in your neighborhood, you may notice yellow, orange, or brown-tinted water from your faucets. If this occurs, run your cold water tap for three to five minutes. If the water does not clear, please contact the district at 303-979-2333 for assistance.

We appreciate our customers' continued efforts to conserve water and follow current watering restrictions. Every effort to reduce unnecessary water use helps protect Colorado's limited water resources while our crews continue performing the essential maintenance needed to keep your water system safe and reliable.

Learn more about protecting our most valuable resource at National Water Quality Month.