District-wide water flushing begins Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Go here for most current map of projected and finished areas.

Why are we flushing the water system?

Best management practices for maintaining a healthy drinking water system include periodic flushing of water mains. The primary pipe material that PID focuses on while flushing is steel pipe. This is because steel pipe is subject to oxidation. While there are many factors contributing to oxidation, what is really taking place is corrosion. The inside of steel pipe begins to rust and this turbidity, or “dirtiness” is what gets stirred up when water mains are flushed. The increased velocity caused by the manipulation of system valves causes an effect similar to scouring.

What is water system flushing?

Public drinking water system flushing is simply a discharge of water at a higher than normal velocity and/or direction in an effort to remove the natural effect of corrosion. We try to thoroughly flush an area until the water is clear but there can still be some residual rust in the water mains as we proceed through the system. This normally does not last long but we suggest that you look at the color of your water prior to doing laundry and similar functions.

How can the water be safe to drink during system flushing?

The flushing process does not have an adverse effect on the safety of the drinking water but it may have a temporary effect on the aesthetics of the water. You might see that your drinking water appears cloudy—this is most likely temporarily caused by air, while the turbidity, or “dirtiness” is primarily from the effects of oxidation. Your drinking water system is regularly sampled and analyzed for the safety of public health.

How do we know the water is safe to drink?

PID takes the protection of public health seriously and will continue take all necessary precautions such as maintaining appropriate safe levels of chlorination for disinfection during the flushing process.

How long will my water be cloudy?

You might see cloudy water in the time immediately after flushing is complete in your neighborhood. PID crews will work to thoroughly flush the water mains but a small amount of residual material may remain until your home lines have cleared any discolored water. While the water is safe to drink and will still meet federal and state health requirements, to more fully clear your home’s lines after your neighborhood lines are flushed, open an outside hose bibb or the bathtub tap and run about 80 to 100 gallons of water (one full bathtub) until the water appears clear.

Where, when, and how long?

The flushing process begins January13 and the location of each day’s flushing will depend upon available crews and equipment. The effects of flushing will generally be noticed only in the immediate area in which we are currently flushing. A map indicating where we have been and where we will be is here. PID office staff are unable to provide estimates of when they’ll be in your neighborhood—keeping an eye on the website and getting the email alerts is the best way to stay informed. 

How will this affect a customer-owned water filtration system installed in a home?

Many in-home systems have a sediment filter that can cause low pressure or no water if flushing causes an issue. Please contact your filter provider for details about how PID system flushing may affect your home system.

Will anything happen to my backflow device as a result of flushing?

PID doesn’t anticipate the flushing process to cause any issues with the backflow devices, but if you notice water coming from the backflow after flushing, please call PID at 877-4971.

 If you have concerns…

Our first hope is that if you have a problem with your drinking water system that you contact Customer Service at 877-4971. However, if you are not satisfied we can certainly direct you to other resources.

PID is regulated by the State of California and under the direction of five elected officials, not by the California Public Utilities Commission which regulates privately owned utility companies. Paradise Irrigation District is your community-owned water system. We take customer service seriously; if you suspect something is wrong with your water please call us right away at 530/877-4971.