What is the standard advice from water utilities when sediment appears briefly after a water main break notification or nearby hydrant use?
Answer
Let the water run for a few minutes until it clears
Following localized disturbances to the water system, such as a water main break or heavy use of a fire hydrant, temporary plumes of water containing disturbed silt and sediment are expected in the distribution lines. In this context, the utility advice is generally straightforward: residents should allow the affected cold water tap to run for several minutes. This permits the localized, temporary dirty water plume to flush out of the immediate service lines, allowing normal, clear water flow to resume.
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