Jackson to begin flushing water supply Monday, water may appear discolored

Jackson residents may see discolored water beginning Monday while the city flushes its water supply to remove built-up mineral sediment.

Fire department crews will be flushing the water distribution and hydrant system for about 12 weeks in the center of town between Farmington Road and Shawnee Boulevard.

"Because the City's water supply is a loop-type system, every household, business and industry may be impacted, regardless of the location of the flushing," said a news release issued Wednesday by public works director Rodney Bollinger.

Bollinger said that the discoloration doesn't affect water safety but suggests that residents "refrain from doing the laundry because the sediments can damage and discolor your laundry, particularly whites" and "wait for the water to clear up before using it for drinking or cooking."

Discoloration may persist for several days and can be reduced by flushing water through household plumbing. Bathtubs and outside spigots are recommended flushing sites. Water can be safely used to sprinkle lawns and water plants.

Bollinger also recommends using the annual city water maintenance period to clean household plumbing by letting water flush from all faucets for about five minutes while flushing toilets and removing faucet screens and cleaning any sediment collected on them.

"While this may seem like a lot of water, it is a good practice to clean your plumbing," Bollinger said.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 243-2300 or the Fire Department at 243-1010.

Pertinent address:

Farmington Rd., Jackson, MO

Shawnee Blvd., Jackson, MO