Frequently Asked Questions

The Salt Lake Valley has many water service providers. Reference this map for assistance finding your water provider.  Salt Lake Valley Water District Map

Yes! The City regularly samples water citywide and our wells are monitored 24/7 to ensure the safety and quality of our drinking water. As our drinking water supply comes from groundwater, at times color and smell can vary. In the event of a main break or pipe replacement, air can be introduced to the system causing ‘fizzy water’. Running your tap will resolve this issue. Our water team works hard to quickly resolve any concerns or disruptions to service. 

What is Sediment?

Sediment consists of tiny particles such as sand, silt, and minerals that can be naturally present in water. While sediment can affect the appearance and clarity of your water, it is not harmful to your health.

Why Am I Seeing Sediment?

When the City repairs or replaces water lines, it stirs up sediment. This is a byproduct of old water lines the City is relying on, much of which is 50+ years old. Upgrading our public works infrastructure has been a priority in the budget for the past few years. Utility bill revenue and property taxes are what help pay for infrastructure upgrades.

What to Do

To help clear sediment from water lines, SSL Water flushes hydrants regularly, especially after construction projects. Residents can run their highest-flowing faucet, such as a bathtub faucet, for about 20 minutes to help flush out any remaining sediment from your pipes.

If you are experiencing or have observed a problem with water from 2100 to 3300 South, contact the SSL Water Division by calling 801-483-6014. After hours call dispatch at 801-840-4000. For concerns south of 3300 South contact Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District by calling 801-256-4401.

Our Utility Billing division can assist with South Salt Lake Water. For service south of 3300 South, visit Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District or call 801-565-4300.

To pay your South Salt Lake Water bill contact Utility Billing. 

Hydrant flushing is a practice used to clean pipes of sediment. It also ensures that hydrants are in working order in the event of an emergency. Performing this task citywide assists in maintaining and supplying clean water to all utility users. This is a manual task done by city employees. While we try to complete this during the late evening hours, some low water pressure may be experienced during daytime hours. 

Cross Connection

A Cross Connection is a physical connection (piping configuration) between the public drinking water system and anything else, including another water supply, that can allow pollutants or contaminants to backflow into the public water system.

Backflow Prevention

Backflow occurs when a reverse flow of contaminated water or other substances from a customer's water system flows back into the public drinking water system. Not only is it the law to install backflow prevention mechanisms, it's important to make sure we protect our drinking water.

A backflow incident can seriously affect the quality and safety of our drinking water supply. Common examples of possible cross connections include landscape sprinkler systems, hose attachments for utility sinks, and garden hoses used for pools or other chemical contact purposes. Backflow prevention assemblies provide the public water system with protection against contamination or pollution.  Learn how to help prevent cross connection with proper connection assemblies.

The City has no jurisdiction regarding  old artesian wells. If you have one on your property and have questions, we recommend you consult local neighbors who also have wells or call State Water Rights at 801-538-7240 for more information.