Glendale Water Department

Why do GWP crews allow water to flow down streets? GWP maintains water quality through strategic pipeline flushing that removes sediment and prevents stagnant water. This essential maintenance process preserves disinfectant levels and minimizes bacterial growth throughout the distribution system. Though it may appear wasteful, this process is actually a necessary and beneficial use of water resources.

If your water appears cloudy when first dispensed but then clears up, don't worry—this is simply caused by tiny air bubbles in the water. This phenomenon occurs more frequently during winter months when water temperatures are lower. The bubbles naturally rise to the surface and dissipate after a short time.

Concerned about lead pipes? Glendale Water and Power does not use lead in their water mains—most are constructed of cast iron or steel. Lead plumbing has been prohibited since 1986 and is unlikely to be found in newer homes. Older homes might have lead pipes, identifiable by their bulky joints compared to the neater connections of copper and galvanized iron. If uncertain, we recommend consulting a plumber to evaluate your plumbing system.

A rotten egg smell from your tap is typically caused by gases released from bacterial growth in drain pipes, not the water itself. When you run water, it pushes these gases out through the drain. To verify if the odor is coming from the water or the drain, fill a glass with water and smell it in another room—if the odor is absent, the issue is in your drain.

The chlorine smell sometimes detected in your water is due to state and federal regulations requiring GWP to maintain disinfectant residuals throughout the distribution system. This prevents waterborne illnesses by suppressing bacterial growth. Like many utilities, GWP uses chlorine and chloramines to meet these safety requirements.

1. Why does my bill show such high water usage? It's possible you haven't actually used that much—meter readings may have been transposed or difficult to read. Alternatively, you might have an undetected leaky toilet or faucet. Contact our office and we'll help resolve the issue.
2. What should I do if I notice low water pressure? First, inspect your meter and surrounding area for possible leaks. Then call our office to report the low pressure in your location.
3. Why is my water sometimes discolored? Recent repairs may have allowed air to enter the line, causing a milky appearance. This is typically temporary and harmless.
4. What treatment chemicals are added to our municipal water? We only use chemicals approved by the National Safety Foundation specifically for municipal water treatment purposes.
5. My water has an unusual taste and odor. Is it safe? All public water systems must maintain minimum chlorine levels of 0.2 mg/L (tested at distribution endpoints) by federal law. Systems using chloramine disinfection must maintain 0.5 mg/L levels by state regulations. We test disinfectant levels daily to ensure safety.
6. Why do particles appear when running hot water? Your water heater likely needs flushing. CAUTION: Manufacturers typically recommend professional service. If attempting yourself, carefully review the owner's manual to avoid injury or damage.
7. Why do I have a balance due when I already sent payment? We may have received your payment after the due date or possibly not received it at all. Contact our office for assistance in resolving this issue.
8. Can I pay my bill through my bank's online bill payment service? Yes, but be aware of the process: Your account is immediately debited, but the bank's contractor (often in another state) must manually create a check to our utility. This takes 5-10 days to arrive at our office, potentially causing late fees if not received by the due date. We cannot currently accept direct electronic transfers from banking services. Consider our free draft service as an alternative—you'll still receive a bill marked "Amount Drafted on Due Date" (15 days after mailing), giving you time to prepare for the payment.