What causes low water pressure?

The water is brown, what's going on?

This  may happen when a water leak has been repaired or a fire hydrant has been flushed in the area.  Sediment is disturbed in the watermains resulting in the brown, rust color tap water. This colored water is not a health concern and can be eliminated by letting the water run for a few minutes until the water runs clear. 

My water smells and tastes funny sometimes, is this safe?

A harmless unpleasant taste or smell may occur from algae that grow naturally in lakes, rivers and canals. Some odor may remain present, even after the water has been treated and filtered at the treatment plant. Chlorine, used for disinfecting the water, may also produce a harmless taste and odor.  Other causes may be bacteria growing in your water heater if it has been sitting unused or corrosion in the water heater internal anode. The most common odor causing problem comes from the drain.  Over time, soap, hair, and food can accumulate on the walls of the drain, creating bacteria that release sewer smelling gasses.

Why is the cold water coming out hot or warm?

This is a very common problem in the summer months; water pipes acclimate to the temperature around them, so when our temperatures get so high in the summer, the water pipes absorb heat from the ground around them and the temperature of the water also increases. The water will never be totally cold in the summertime because of the high temperatures.

There always seem to be a water break around the City, why is this?

Most water breaks or leaks are due to older pipes, construction near pipes (vibration of machines), defective materials and poor workmanship.  The City replaced aging water pipes a few years ago, reducing the number of breaks significantly.

What is the purpose of flushing fire hydrants, isn't that wasting water?

It's necessary to flush fire hydrants to maintain water quality. High velocity water helps to clean the interior of the pipes.  It flushes accumulated sediments out of the system, removes stale water and restores chlorine residual. It also ensures the operability of the fire protection system.  

Who is responsible for sewer backups?

The problem may be in the City main sewer line, one of our Wastewater maintenance crews will determine this. If this is the case, the City of Peoria will make the necessary repairs and claims related to property damage will be referred to the Risk Management Division of the City Attorneys office.  If the crew finds that the problem is in the sewer lateral which connects with the City sewer main, usually located in the street and the house, then they will advise the resident to call a plumber. The sewer lateral is owned and maintained by the property owner which includes all piping extending from the house to the City sewer main.

Is the City responsible for exterminating sewer roaches?

The City of Peoria has a contract with a local pest control business; as a preventative maintenance they treat 5000 of the City's manholes per year, each treatment is good for two years.  If a customer calls with a roach complaint, a maintenance crew will be dispatched to the residence, if they find the manholes around the area need treating, they will contact the pest control company who will treat all the manholes in that quarter section of the city. It's a good idea to maintain your own pest control program; when coupled with the City's program, the presence of roaches will be greatly reduced.

Occasionally a foul odor comes out of the sink and tub drains, is this serious?  How can I fix this problem?

In rare occasions the problem can be a serious plumbing flaw, but more often the problem can be solved easily. Check the water traps for water. They are the P shaped traps in the drain lines beneath sinks, tub and showers. The standing water in a trap serves as an excellent barrier against sewer gas. The water may have evaporated due to infrequent use, or the house being vacant. Pour a quart of water in each problematic drain; this is plenty of water to fill the traps and provide a full water seal. Another source of odor is bacteria, dirt, grime, mold, etc. passing through the tailpipe on its way to the sewer. Often some is left behind and over time a thick layer of slime collects on the inside surface of this vertical pipe. Mold and bacteria grow and produce unpleasant odors. A small amount of household bleach poured into each drain will help neutralize any bacteria that may be present and causing odors. If problems persist, pipes can be taken apart and cleaned or replaced. As a last resort, a plumbing professional can quickly diagnose and fix the problem.

Can I drain my pool water into the City's sewer system?

Residential swimming pool drainage permits are no longer required. However, you must follow specific procedures.
Click here for more information on draining your residential pool.

Where does Peoria water come from?

North of Beardsley, mostly Glendale Pyramid Peak which is Central Arizona Project (CAP) water. CAP is all Colorado River Water.

• Beardsley to Bell is a mix of Pyramid Peak and groundwater.
• South of and east of the New River is Greenway Water Treatment Plant water, which is on the Arizona Canal of Salt River Project SRP. It is a mix of Salt River, Verde River, CAP and groundwater. If west of the New River, you could have a mix of all the above.
• South of Grand to 91st Ave. is a mix of Greenway and groundwater.
• West of 91st, south of Grand & Olive is mostly groundwater.

Is Peoria water harder? Do I need to change the setting on my softener?

• Yes, Greenway water is 13 grains hardness
• Groundwater ranges from 2-8 grains hardness
• Pyramid Peak is 17 grains

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