What is NO-DES? A New Method of Flushing Water Pipes
To assist in our Water Conservation efforts, the City of Manhattan Beach now employs a NO-DES system (Neutral Output Discharge Elimination System). Instead of losing hydrant water to the street, the NO-DES system connects hoses to two hydrants and pulls water through the truck’s filter tank to remove sediment. The pressurized system has the ability to increase the velocity of the water to recommended flushing speeds, so sediment is effectively removed. Even though customers can use their water during treatment, they may temporarily experience discoloration, so NO-DES flushing happens during work hours when most people are away from home for school or work. However, the water remains completely safe to drink.

What is water system flushing and why is it important?
Even though the water flowing through the mains has undergone treatment, the water pipes need to periodically be cleaned to make sure that sediment is removed – this process is called flushing. The City’s old method of flushing consisted of opening up a fire hydrant and letting it run into the sewer or storm drain system wasting millions of gallons of water per year.

This pipe cleaning is achieved by controlling the flow of water through isolated sections water pipeline at a higher than normal velocity. It accomplished by closing and/or opening specific water valves and releasing water through a fire hydrant. The increased water flow provides a scouring effect to remove settled debris such as sand, mineral deposits and other organic material that naturally accumulate in the City’s water pipes.

This year the City is proud to use a new system flushing technique called NO-DES. This system optimizes our conservation efforts and minimizes water waste by using filtration system.

What to do if you are experiencing discolored water AFTER flushing
Organic and naturally occurring sediments settle at the bottom of water supply lines. Flushing can cause the water passing through the pipes to speed up and the faster flow can stir up the sediment and cause your water to appear yellow or brown.

If you experience discolored water:

• Refrain from using water during flushing and for at least an hour after flushing ends. (Approx. 2:30 PM)
• Test your water from closest outlet to water meter. (Usually a hose bib outside)
• If the water runs clear, take the following steps to flush the rest of your system:

1. Inside the home, remove any aerators from the kitchen and bathroom faucets. (Removing these will eliminate the chance of sediment getting stuck in the aerator screen.)
2. Open all COLD water taps inside the home to full open position, including kitchen, bathroom, and shower faucets. Run at the same time for 2 minutes, until water runs clear.
3. With faucet aerators still removed, open all HOT water taps to full open position for at least two minutes or until water runs clear.
4. After flushing both cold and hot water taps, inspect the faucet aerators, clean if necessary, and reinstall.

How will it affect your water service?
While there are many long-term benefits to system flushing, there may be some short-term inconveniences associated with the maintenance program. Properties in the immediate area may experience temporary water pressure fluctuations and possible discoloration. The discoloration is caused by minerals, sand, rust, and other particulates being disturbed by the high velocity water flow. If you experience discolored water, we ask that you flush the cold water lines in your home or property by opening a hose bib or bathtub faucet for a few minutes until the water clears. Keep in mind that most kitchen and bathroom faucets have screens or filters built into them and may require cleaning if debris is present. As Public Works continues with the flushing program, each subsequent flushing maintenance will present fewer and fewer concerns and begin to establish tremendous value as a preventative maintenance program.

When will flushing take place?
The Water Distribution System Flushing has been divided into manageable areas and will begin in March 2024. The length of time flushing will last in a particular area will depend on the conditions of water mains in that particular area.

What about water conservation?
The City of Manhattan Beach Public Works Department continues to implement and enforce the Stage 2 Water Conservation Requirements of the City’s Water Conservation Ordinance and thanks the community for their committed efforts. We also ask for your patience in understanding that while we remain committed to water conservation, flushing the distribution system is an essential component of system maintenance and an absolute necessity in our commitment to providing high-quality potable water.

June2024

June 4-27, 2024 WATER SYSTEM
(Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM)
Download the June 4-27, 2024 Flushing Map (PDF)

 Week of June 24 Schedule

June 25, 2024 (Tuesday) and June 27, 2024 (Thursday)

• Meadows Ave from 11th St to 2nd St 
• 5th St from Meadows Ave to Sepulveda Blvd 
• 3rd St from Meadows to Johnson St  
• 2nd St from Meadows Ave to Johnson St 
• Johnson St from 2nd to 6th  St 
• 6th St from Meadows Ave to Sepulveda Blvd 
• Sepulveda Blvd from 6th St to 11th St 
• 11th St from Sepulveda Blvd to Meadows Ave 

Also, even though we are not flushing water through the following streets, they are within the area that could be affected: 

• 8th St from Rowell Ave to Sepulveda Blvd 
• 9th St from Rowell Ave to Sepulveda Blvd 
• 10th St from Rowell Ave to Sepulveda Blvd  

May 2024

March 2024