City to Begin Annual Water Main Flushing

Camarillo’s annual water main flushing program will begin at midnight June 2 and continue for nine weekdays.

Water may be discolored for short periods of time in the zone being flushed and in adjacent zones.

“There’s been minimal complaints in the past as far as brown water, but there’s a chance it could happen,” said Tom Smith, water systems superintendent.

Although Smith says there are no health risks involved with the brown water, he is advising residents to take shorter showers and to avoid doing laundry because the discolored water may stain clothes. A cleaning solution can be obtained from the Water Division for those who do experience staining.

“The discoloration is caused by iron oxidizing in the system . . . and the flushing causes the iron to be stirred up,” Smith said.

The California Department of Health Services recommends the flushing to aid in the removal of mineral deposits in the city’s water-distribution system.

“We have iron and manganese in the local supplies, which is typical along the coastline, that will settle out in the water main,” Smith said.

The program will begin from midnight to 8 a.m. June 2. It will continue weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 13. The Mission Oaks/Leisure Village area will not be affected by the flushing program.

The day before the flushing of a particular zone, residents should fill water bottles for drinking and cooking, Smith said.

“But if discolored water is put in the bottle, just put it in the fridge and it will settle out,” he said.

Contact the Water Division at 384-1820 for a zone map and flushing schedule.