NewsSFGate Bay Area NewsOctober 26, 2026San Francisco County
Napa town famous for wine and restaurants takes drastic action to fix dirty tap water
Photo: SFGate Bay Area News
The city of St. Helena started flushing 40 miles of water mains this week to address persistent brown tap water following years of complaints from residents and businesses. The St. Helena City Council approved more than $885,000 for the flushing project earlier this month. The massive cleaning operation uses zero discharge flushing to remove sediment and biofilm from the pipe interior.
Read the full story at SFGate Bay Area NewsWhy It Matters
Residents and local businesses face discolored tap water and must avoid using water during flushing hours in their neighborhood while the city cleans 1 to 1.5 miles of pipes per day over the next 45 to 50 days.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
PersonAndrew Bradley“Confirmed project details and timeline to SFGATE.”PersonPatrice Viera“Described deep-set stains on hotel bathtubs and bed linens from brown tap water.”OrganizationInn St. Helena“Experienced stained linens and bathtubs due to discolored water.”OrganizationRay Ray's Tacos“Served bottled water to customers due to brown tap water.”OrganizationSt. Helena“Wealthy Wine Country town attempting to solve its brown water problem.”PersonRachel Williams“Stated her restaurant had to offer bottled water instead of tap water.”OrganizationSt. Helena City Council“Approved more than $885,000 for the flushing project.”OrganizationHydrologics“Working with St. Helena Public Works Department on the citywide project.”