Impacts to Water Service near Kirkwood Community College

Due to a hydrant and valve leak near Kirkwood Boulevard SW and Oklahoma Ave SW, homes and businesses in the highlighted area of the attached image will experience a water outage overnight, beginning around 3:00 a.m. Contractors have mobilized and are doing as much pre-work as possible to limit the amount of time water will be off. Residents and businesses should expect the outage to extend for approximately six (6) to eight (8) hours. Other residents and businesses in the area outlined in green will likely experience a reduction in water pressure during the outage time.

The Cedar Rapids Water Division (CRWD) reminds affected customers to flush internal plumbing following any water line maintenance.

Any time water service is impacted by a brief outage, it is always a good idea to flush internal plumbing in a home or business. There may be air in the line, or cloudiness in the water associated with increased turbidity. These symptoms are expected.

Steps to clear the water:

1. Run cold water after an outage through a faucet that does not have an aerator screen. Bathtubs and hose bibs are good candidates.
2. Open faucets slowly to allow the air to escape. Air will make a spurting or hissing sound as it escapes through the faucet.
3. Once the water is flowing, allow the faucet to run for up to five minutes to ensure the service line is thoroughly flushed. The first water may be cloudy due to air in the water or particles that dislodge as the pipes fill with water. The cloudiness should clear fairly quickly.
4. It may take up to 48 hours for the turbidity to settle down once the system is restored to normal configuration. Continue to run cold water through a faucet daily until these symptoms go away.

If kitchen or bathroom faucets do not perform normally following a water outage, it may be necessary to remove the aerator screen. Typically, the aerator can simply be unscrewed from the faucet. Inspect the screen for small particles and rinse away any you find. Reinstall the aerator and test performance of the faucet again. If you experience difficulties, such as low pressure throughout the house following a water outage, call Utilities Water Division at 319-286-5900 for assistance during regular business hours.

The Cedar Rapids Water Division appreciates your patience, and we will provide updates as they are available.

ADDRESSES IMPACTED BY OUTAGE