ChlorinationThe primary objective of water supply chlorination is disinfection, but it has also been found to be useful in controlling objectionable taste and odor complaints. Both the City of Rohnert Park and the Sonoma County Water Agency chlorinate the water that we provide to our customers. Due to seasonal variations in water source and the demand for water, you may notice minor fluctuations in the chlorine taste of our water.
Cloudy waterYour water may appear white/milky or seem to fizz and act like carbonated water. When a glass of water stands for several minutes and bubbles rise to the top and the water clears from the bottom of the glass to the top, the cloudiness is due to air in the water lines. This condition should clear up on its own and there is no cause for concern. If this condition persists for an extended period of time contact Public Works.
Discolored WaterThe majority of our water is generated by ground water wells. During this process, naturally occurring sediment and sand can be drawn up into our distribution system. This sediment and sand settle out of the water, sometimes depositing on the bottom of our water mains. When there is a disturbance caused by water main repair, fire hydrant use/damage, or increased water demand by new construction that results in high velocity in the water mains, this sediment is disturbed. Sediment may be drawn into your home if water is used during the disturbance.
Despite the appearance of the water, a disinfectant residual is maintained in the water mains to ensure that the water is safe to drink. Much of this stirred-up material is often ferrous (iron) in composition. This does not represent a health hazard. However, since chlorine bleach can set iron stains, please postpone clothes laundering until the water clears up. Clearing should occur within 30 minutes.
If you experience discolored water, immediately discontinue use. Report the incident to Public Works.
Before restarting water use inside your home, run water from the faucet connection in your front yard to assure the sediment has settled out of the water and that your service connection from the distribution main is clear.
Once that has occurred, starting with the water fixtures closest to the street, run the cold water until the water runs clear. Proceed to the back of the home. If the discolored water is throughout the home, run a rinse cycle on your clothes washer and dishwasher.
FluorideThe City of Rohnert Park does not add fluoride to the water. Trace amounts of fluoride, 0.1 – 0.2 mg/l, occur naturally in our water. Please contact your dentist for information regarding fluoride supplements.
Hydrant FlushingFire hydrant or blow-off flushing is designed help maintain our high quality of water by removing foreign material such as sediment or organic matter that may have settled to the bottom of the mains during normal operations. In an effort to minimize disruption of water service and inconvenience to our residents, this flushing is usually performed at night. However, it may be necessary during normal working hours to correct any recurring problem areas.
Low Water PressureIf you are experiencing lower than normal water pressure, first check your house valve to make sure it is opened completely. This valve is located below the faucet in your front yard. Make sure it is turned to the left as far as possible. If this does not return your pressure to normal, contact Public Works.
If you have no water, first check your house valve as described above. If this does not return your water service, contact Utilities at 585-6750 to check for a possible billing problem. If no billing problem exists, please contact Public Works.
Painted Marks on Sidewalk and PavementWhen repairs to an underground utility are scheduled, an Underground Service Alert is activated. This results in visits to the site by utility representatives from power companies, telephone companies, cable television, sewer utilities, and water utilities. By marking the areas where their utilities are located underground, excavation crews can use extra care to avoid damage. Most utility representatives use non-durable water based paints that disappear within a few months.
Taste & OdorIf you are experiencing unpleasant taste or odor problems, please check the service condition of all home treatment devices, such as water softeners, conditioners, filters, and ice makers. Hot water heaters should be drained routinely to remove any sedimentation which might encourage bacteriological growth. Sulfate-reducing bacteria can grow at temperatures below 140F. These bacteria can produce hydrogen sulfide, causing black water and a rotten egg odor. This can be corrected by flushing out the system, elevating the temperature overnight, and resetting it in the morning. If you have questions, please call Public Works.
Monday through Friday 7 AM to 5 PM - 707-588-3300
After hours, weekends, and holidays - 707-584-2600
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Garbage Fees Effective 12-8-2008
