Public Works > FAQ

What if I see someone (other than City crews or Fire Dept. crews)hooking up to a fire hydrant?

What causes stains on sinks or plumbing fixtures?

Is the City's water safe for the fish in my aquarium?

What causes white spots on glassware or silverware?

Why is my water sometimes brown?

When the water from your faucet is brown, this indicates a disturbance in the water main. There is a fine layer of sediment on the bottom of the water mains that can be stirred up due to hydrant use, valve turning or adjacent construction. If your water is brown:

Don't drink the water. It may not be harmful, but we don't advise drinking any obviously discolored or dirty water. It is fine to use this water to flush toilets.
Avoid using hot water until the pipes clear. That avoids drawing dirty water into your hot water tank.
After an hour or so, run the cold water for several minutes to see if it is clear. When one faucet runs clear, run the cold water through all home faucets until each is clear. This step will eliminate the dirty water that may have been drawn into your pipes.
If this does not go away in a few hours, you can call City Hall at (503) 647-5555 during normal business hours.

What if I see someone (other than City crews or Fire Dept. crews)hooking up to a fire hydrant?

Water theft is a huge concern of any water system, especially with the potential of the introduction of contaminants via backflow. The City of North Plains requires all hydrant users to have an approved backflow device on any water truck. All water tanks shall be inspected and then instructed to use a designated hydrant with a meter to monitor the usage.

Please notify City Hall at (503) 647-5555 immediately if you see a person taking water from a hydrant.

What causes stains on sinks or plumbing fixtures?

Tap water may interact with the different metals used in home plumbing systems and produce colorful results. While the stains may be bothersome, your water will usually still be safe to drink and use. Regular cleaning with common household cleaners can control stains on sinks or plumbing fixtures. Stains and their causes include:

These stains are most often noticed along with brownish water. They are found in homes of any age, although they are most common in older homes with galvanized pipe. Reddish brown stains may indicate rust forming in the pipes.
These stains are due to copper in the water from copper plumbing. Typically this occurs in homes less than 2 years old. This problem gradually clears up on its own.

Can water cause hair to turn green?

Blond hair can turn a greenish color after contact with the high chlorine dosages used in pools and spas. The cause is usually a reaction between copper in the water and chlorine. The green color is actually caused by copper. Copper sulfate is sometimes used in pools to control algae and this can also cause this problem. Using special shampoos designed for swimmers may be helpful.

Why is disinfectant added to the water?

Disinfectants, such as chlorine, stop bacteria from growing in water pipe lines. If the slight chlorine taste or smell is bothersome, you can chill your water overnight in the refrigerator. The chlorine compounds will dissipate, reducing the smell and taste.

Is the City's water safe for the fish in my aquarium?

Water for aquariums should be dechlorinated. The City of North Plains uses chlorine to disinfect the water and retains a residual amount to deter any bacteria from growing in piping. Disinfection is important so humans don't get water borne diseases. Chlorine can be lethal to fish, however, so it's important to adequately dechlorinate water before it's added to an aquarium.

If you have copper plumbing, be sure to run the water to flush out water that has been sitting in contact with the piping. Copper can be toxic to fish. You can reduce copper in your water if you run the water for several minutes to flush your pipes.

What causes white spots on glassware or silverware?

"Hard" water, which contains more minerals than "soft" water, can cause spots on glasses or silverware. It is best to read the owner's manual for your dishwasher and follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding hard water. Some other tips that may help reduce spotting include using hotter water, varying the brand and type of rinse agent and detergent, and adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle of the dishwasher.

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