Water Department to flush out sediments from mains

The Stanford Water Department will flush the Stanford water distribution system from April 5 to May 23.

The Water Department will open fire hydrants to flush out sediment that has collected in the mains during the past year. This flushing program is a standard operating procedure for water departments.

Flushing the mains may cause some slight but temporary reduction in water pressure and possible water discoloration. However, water remains safe for drinking.

The department suggests users refrain from doing projects that may be affected by temporary sediments in the water while the water lines are being flushed.

The schedule for flushing follows (see map):

Zone 1 (residential area -- south of Campus Drive East and Mayfield Avenue): starts April 5 and ends April 7; nightly from 6 to 10 p.m.

Zone 2 (central campus and academic areas -- approximately within Campus Drive loop; additionally, north to Sand Hill Road and between Bowdoin Street and Mayfield Avenue): starts April 19 and ends April 22; nightly from 6 to 10 p.m.

Zone 3 (area east of Campus Drive East, north of Bowdoin Street and east of Serra Street boundary): starts May 22 and ends May 23; daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For additional information, call the Water Department at 723-1300 or Utilities at 725-7864 or visit http://facilities.stanford.edu/environment.