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Building Inspection

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1. What is the municipal code?

The municipal code is a compilation of local laws and ordinances the set the minimum safety standards. These ordinances are arranged in a systematic manner for easy reference. It embraces all aspects of the building construction.

2. What do I need a building permit for?

A permit protects the homeowner and the future occupants of the home. "Pulling a permit" is just the beginning of your relationship with the Building Inspector. Look for him to stop by at key stages of your project to make sure your work is compliant with codes and done correctly. The following is a list of common construction projects that require a building permit, however, this list is not all-inclusive:

• Furnace & Air Conditioning
• Decks & Porches
• Demolition work
• Additions
• Electrical work
• Fences
• Handrails & stairs
• Plumbing
• Pool construction or renovation
• Roof repairs or re-roofing
• Sheds & Accessory Buildings
• Siding
• Window replacements (if original dimensions are being altered).

3. Why are inspections performed during construction?

Inspections are performed to assure that all structures are constructed safely and in compliance with the city codes and ordinances during various stages of construction.

4. I received a violation notice for trash on my property but the trash is not mine. Am I still responsible?

Yes. A property owner is responsible for any violations on their property.

5. I have a tenant living in a property that I own. Can I get a fine for their violation of an ordinance?

Yes. A property owner is responsible for any violations on their property.

6. Is there an ordinance against parking vehicles in a back yard?

No, as long as the vehicles are operable, are currently registered and not a breeding ground for vermin.

7. Can Code Enforcement tell my neighbor to cut their tree limbs that are hanging over onto my property?

No. That would be a civil issue between you and your neighbor.

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City Assessor

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1. What can I do if I have concerns about my Real Estate Assessment?

Assessments for the City of Burlington are contracted by the City with an outside assessment firm. If you would like to schedule an appointment with the Assessor to discuss your concerns, please call City Hall at 262-342-1161 to schedule an appointment. Additionally, you may attend the Open Book review, which is held each year. Times and locations for Open Book Review are listed on this website and also posted in the local newspaper. You may also contact City Hall at the number above for more information on Open Book.

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City Clerk

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1. How can I obtain records from the City?

City records are open to the public upon request. You may make your request by contacting the City Clerk for an open records request form. The completed form can be submitted to the City Clerk with any applicable fees. The form will identify the documents that you want to review or have copied.

2. What is a Provisional Operator’s License?

These licenses are good for sixty days and may be issued once the Police Department approves the regular license. With these licenses there is no need for the person to produce proof of schooling.

3. What are the requirements for a new Operator’s License (also known as a bartending license)?

A new Operator’s License requires either a proof of completion of the WI Responsible Beverage Class or a license from another municipality that has been issued within the last two years along with identification. This license cannot be issued until proof of schooling has been provided.

4. Is it required to have my employer post my Operator’s License?

No, it is not required to post the operator’s licenses at the place of business. This operator’s license is issued to an individual for a certain municipality. The license may be posted if desired.

5. What types of fermented beverage licenses are available?

• Class “A” packaged beer sales only.
• “Class A Combination” beer, liquor, wine packaged sales.
• Class “B” may consume on premises or buy for off-premises consumption.
• “Class B Combination” Full liquor license for on premise or off premise consumption. This is the only license that has a quota established by the State of Wisconsin.
• Special Gathering, Temporary “Class B” also known as a picnic licenses. The applicant must have a licensed operator in charge of the event. Clubs, churches, lodges etc. that have been in existence for more than six months and have officers may apply for this type of license. There must be someone with a current operator’s license or a temporary license on the premises during the hours of operation.

6. How do I register to vote?

Anyone wishing to vote in the state of Wisconsin, where they are required to register, has four options to register. State and federal law now requires that any first-time voter submitting a registration application by mail provide a copy of an acceptable identifying document that provides proof of residence. Options include by mail, in person at City Hall prior to the election, online at https://myvote.wi.gov or at the polling place the day of the election.

7. What are the requirements to be a candidate for election?

Candidates must be registered to vote, must have been full-time residents of the city for at least one year prior to qualifying, and must not hold any other elective office.

8. When may I begin raising campaign funds?

A potential candidate may begin raising funds at any time after filing designation of a campaign treasurer and bank designation with the City Clerk. The campaign account must be separate from any personal accounts and used only for depositing campaign funds and making campaign expenditures.

9. Are permits required for garage sales?

Permits are not required, however, per chapter 254-4 of the Municipal Code, rummage can only be conduction between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. No more than three sales in one calendar year can be conducted from any premises and no sale shall last longer than three consecutive days.

10. What other sales permits are required in the City of Burlington?

A Direct Sellers Permit may be obtained for selling door-to-door, business-to-business or telemarketing within the City.

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Finance Department

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1. When can I expect to receive my tax bill?

Tax bills are typically mailed in mid December.

2. What can I do if I have concerns about my Real Estate Assessment?

Assessments for the City of Burlington are contracted by the City with an outside assessment firm. If you would like to schedule an appointment with the Assessor to discuss your concerns, please call City Hall at 262-342-1161 to schedule an appointment. Additionally, you may attend the Open Book review, which is held each year. Times and locations for Open Book Review are listed on this website and also posted in the local newspaper. You may also contact City Hall at the number above for more information on Open Book.

3. When is my real estate tax bill or personal property tax bill due?

The first installment of your tax bill is due no later than January 31. The payment must be made to "Treasurer - City of Burlington" and either mailed, dropped at City Hall, Paid at a local participating bank (check our website for bank locations and times), or paid online.

The second installment of your tax bill is due no later than July 31. This payment must be made payable to "Racine County Treasurer" and mailed, dropped off at the County offices in either Burlington or Racine, or paid online. The second installment payments should not be mailed to the City. This will delay the posting of your payment and may result in delinquent charges being applied to your bill.

In both cases above, if the due date falls on an official Holiday, a weekend, or a date that City Hall or the County Offices are closed, payments are due the first business day following those dates. If you are unsure, please call the Treasurers office at 262-342-1170.

4. How are the tax rates determined?

The City tax rate is determined by approved budgeted expenditures of the city for the upcoming year, then comparing those dollars to the total value of all property in the City. The tax rate, also called the MIL rate, is based on a per $1,000 of assessed value. The total tax rate for any given year is made up of several taxing districts: the State of Wisconsin, the Burlington School District, Gateway Technical College, Racine County and the City of Burlington. In addition, the overall Gross tax rates are reduced by State of Wisconsin credits and the total tax amount is reduced by the Lottery Credit and/or the First Dollar Credit.

5. How do I qualify for the Lottery Credit and/or the First Dollar Credit?

Lottery Credit: If you lived in your Wisconsin home in January of the taxing year, then you are eligible for the Lottery Credit. However, if you own multiple homes or properties in Wisconsin, such as a Primary Residence and Vacation Home, you may only claim this credit on one of the properties.

First Dollar Credit: If you own property that has improvements on the property, you will automatically receive the First Dollar Credit. A typical residential tax bill will have the First Dollar Credit applied to the bill. If you just own land, with no structures/improvements, you are not eligible for the First Dollar Credit.

6. What does all this tax money really pay for?

The proceeds from taxes are deposited in the General Fund of the City and used to support general operations such as police and fire protection, street maintenance, traffic control, parks and recreation, library services, engineering services, health and safety, and general finance and administrative services.

7. What should I do if I can’t pay my taxes?

If you cannot at least pay the first installment of your taxes by the January 31st due date, you should call the Racine County Treasurers Office at 262-636-3239 to make arrangements. Finance charges and late fees may apply.

8. What is the City Fiscal Year?

The fiscal year for the City of Burlington is January 1 through December 31 each year. The annual budget process for the upcoming year typically starts in August or September, with final Common Council adoption no later then the end of December.

9. Who do I contact to request a W-9 form?

Please contact the Accounts Payable department at 262-364-1177.

10. Is the City considered to be Sales Tax exempt?

From the standpoint of purchases and identity, the City of Burlington is exempt from State and County Sales tax. We can provide you with form 220 for billing purposes.

11. What is the City Fiscal Year, and how can I see the Budget?

The fiscal year for the City of Burlington is January 1 through December 31 each year. The annual budget process for the upcoming year typically starts in August or September, with final Common Council adoption no later then the end of December. The current annual adopted budget document is available on line. View the Budget

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Fire Department

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1. Can I open burn in the city?

Outdoor fires for the purpose of cooking, ceremonies and recreation will be permitted with the prior approval of the Fire Department. Please call 763-7842 for approval.

2. How do I become a volunteer for the Fire Department?

Interested individuals 18 years or older may pick up an application at the Fire Station (165 W. Washington Street) to apply for volunteer positions.

3. How do I get my business inspected for fire safety?

Call (262) 763-7842 to schedule a safety inspection with the Fire Inspector.

4. Why do you turn off the electricity at the house when fighting a fire?

We turn off the electricity to prevent the accidental electrocution of our fire fighters and to prevent burned and damaged wiring from starting another fire.

5. Why do you cut holes in the roof at a fire?

Ventilation holes are sometimes cut to release the hot gases from inside the structure. A build-up of fire gases is dangerous to fire fighters because it can suddenly burst into flames in an event known as a flashover. Flashovers kill fire fighters every year and the best way to avoid it is to cut the ventilation holes.

6. Are smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors required in my home?

Yes, in Wisconsin, owners of all new and existing one and two family homes must install working smoke detectors and owners of all single-family and multi-unit dwellings must install carbon monoxide detectors. At least one detector is needed on every occupied level of the home. Basements and any finished attic spaces must also have working smoke detectors. A smoke detector must be installed within six feet of any sleeping room, at the head of each open stairway and at the door of any enclosed stairway. We recommend that you also place a working detector in every bedroom, especially if you sleep with the door closed.

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Footer

Show All Answers

1. How do I register to vote?

Anyone wishing to vote in the state of Wisconsin, where they are required to register, has three options to register. State and federal law now requires that any first-time voter submitting a registration application by mail provide a copy of an acceptable identifying document that provides proof of residence. Options include by mail, in person at City Hall prior to the election, or at the polling place the day of the election.

2. When can I expect to receive my tax bill?

Tax bills are typically mailed in mid December.

3. What should I do if I am involved in a traffic accident?

Remain calm. Check for immediate hazards, such as fire, electrical wires down or leaking fuel. Check for injuries. Summon police and advise on injuries. Do not move vehicles unless your vehicle is likely to cause more crashes and your crash is minor. Exchange driver and vehicle information, verify license plate numbers and driver license data. Obtain the full name of the other operator's insurance company. Obtain the name and phone number of witnesses. Leaving an accident scene may result in loss of driving privileges and future insurability. If law enforcement does not investigate the crash or file the report and the crash occurred in 2017, you will need to complete the Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash DT4002. For a copy of this form go to this site: https://trust.dot.state.wi.us/droc/

4. How do I report a street light outage?

Street light outages and traffic signal problems should be directed to the Public Works office at 539-3770. Please have the nearest address to the street light or cross intersection for the traffic signal when calling so staff can locate the problem.

5. What do I need a building permit for?

A permit protects the homeowner and the future occupants of the home. "Pulling a permit" is just the beginning of your relationship with the Building Inspector. Look for him to stop by at key stages of your project to make sure your work is compliant with codes and done correctly. The following is a list of common construction projects that require a building permit, however, this list is not all-inclusive: •Furnace & Air Conditioning •Decks & Porches •Demolition work •Additions •Electrical work •Fences •Handrails & stairs •Plumbing •Pool construction or renovation •Roof repairs or re-roofing •Sheds & Accessory Buildings •Siding •Window replacements (if original dimensions are being altered).

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Municipal Court

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1. My due date is here and I still don’t have the money I need to pay the ticket, what can I do?

Complete the Payment Plan Agreement form found on the Municipal Court home page or at the Clerk's office, and submit the Payment Plan Agreement along with your first
payment.

2. What will happen if I am guilty, will not be coming to court but I don’t have the money to pay my ticket by the court date?

If you have a mandatory or non-mandatory appearance and you do not come to court, you will be found guilty by default and given 60 days to pay from your court date.

3. I don’t feel I am guilty and I would like to talk to the City Attorney about the points, circumstances, or fine amount; how do I do this?

You need to complete and return the orange informational sheet issued to you by the officer when he issued you your ticket. On the informational sheet you will find a form with a box to check for guilty or not guilty or no contest; you will also need to write down your request for a pretrial on the form and then mail it to the court office at 300 N. Pine St., Burlington, WI 53105. Upon receipt of your written request for a pretrial, the court will set you up with a pretrial to talk to the attorney for the City; your time and date of pretrial will then be mailed to you.

4. What do I do if my license has been suspended for a Right-of-Way or Failure to Yield infraction?

If your operating privilege is suspended, you will not be eligible to reinstate until you have successfully completed the Right-of-Way course. This course has been designed to reacquaint you with vehicle right-of-way rules and provide awareness of keeping motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists safe. List of instructors and locations can be found on the Department of Transportation website.

5. My license is suspended for failure to pay and I would like to get it reinstated. What do I do next?

Your license will remain suspended until your citations are paid in full. If you have paid your citations in full, your license will remain suspended until you pay a reinstatement fee to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. You can check the Department of Transportation website for reinstatement eligibility.

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Park Department

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1. What time do the city parks close?

Closing hours for all parks are between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily, except for such instances where a permit for a special occasion or use during prohibited hours has been issued by the Park Board or Supervisor of Streets and Parks.

2. Which parks are open for reservation?

Park reservations are taken for Bushnell, Echo, McCanna, Riverside and Wehmhoff-Junker Parks. You need to come to our office and make your reservation in person. Reservations start on the first work day in January, and parks fill up fast.

3. How much does it cost to reserve a park?

Park Reservation Fees

Pavilion Rental for City residents (up to 50 people)	$100
Pavilion Rental for non‐residents (up to 50 people)	$200
Pavilion Rental security deposit (up to 50 people)	$100
Echo Park kitchen rental (Added on to pavilion rental)	$25
Park Use Permit for City residents (50+ people*)	$100
Park Use Permit for non-residents (50+ people*)	$200
Park Use Permit security deposit (50+ people)	$200

*Events over 50 people & requesting usage of the park outside of the pavilion reservation usage (i.e. weddings, wedding receptions, etc.)

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Police Department

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1. What should I do if I am involved in a traffic accident?

Remain calm. Check for immediate hazards, such as fire, electrical wires down or leaking fuel. Check for injuries. Summon police and advise on injuries. Do not move vehicles unless your vehicle is likely to cause more crashes and your crash is minor. Exchange driver and vehicle information, verify license plate numbers and driver license data. Obtain the full name of the other operator's insurance company. Obtain the name and phone number of witnesses. Leaving an accident scene may result in loss of driving privileges and future insurability.

If law enforcement does not investigate the crash or file the report and the crash occurred in 2017, you will need to complete the Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash DT4002. For a copy of this form go to this site: https://trust.dot.state.wi.us/droc/

2. How do I obtain a copy of a traffic accident?

Reports taken by officers are available for copying three to five business days after the accident. Please call the Police Department at 262.342.1100 to obtain a copy. Copies are $.50 per page.

3. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Police reports can be obtained by making an open records request at the Police Department:
224 E. Jefferson St.
Burlington, WI 53105

Copies are $0.50 per page.

4. Will the Police Department serve a summons, subpoena or other legal document for me?

No. Please contact the Racine County Sheriff's Department civil process office at 262.636.3210 or a private process server.

5. How do I visit or contact someone in jail?

The Burlington Police Department has a 72-hour holding facility for persons in custody awaiting transportation to the Racine County Jail or other jails. Please call 262.342.1100 to make local arrangements. To visit or contact persons in the Racine County Jail, please call 262.636.3929. To visit or contact persons in the Walworth County Jail, please call 262.741.4540.

6. Can I park on street all night?

City ordinance prohibits parking on all downtown streets between the hours of 2 - 5 a.m. Parking is permitted in the city residential areas between 2 - 5 a.m. in accordance with the alternate side parking regulations. On even-numbered calendar date, vehicles may be parked on the side of the street adjacent to lots and houses which have been assigned even-numbers. On odd-numbered calendar dates, vehicles may be parked on the side of the street adjacent to lots and houses which have been assigned odd numbers. Alternate-side parking rules are determined on the calendar date after 12 a.m. midnight; e.g.: It is December 3, at 10 p.m., and a person does not plan to move his or her vehicle until the next morning; that person would park on the even side of the street because it will be December 4 after midnight, and alternate-side parking is in effect from 2 - 5 a.m. Where alternate-side parking is not available, including, but not limited to, a cul-de-sac or a block where no parking is allowed on one side of the street at any time, parking during the specified hours shall be allowed on the only available side of the street. For more information on city parking regulations refer to municipal code 293-3(e)(3).

7. What type of parking permits are available?

Permits for long-term parking in the downtown area can be purchased for $10 per month. These permits allow a resident of the immediate downtown area to park in a municipal lot for more than 24 hours. The Police Department is required to make a determination, upon the presentation of a motor vehicle registration slip showing a qualifying address, that there is no other parking available for such downtown resident. For visitors or special circumstances that require a vehicle to be left on the street all day or overnight, such as a moving van or construction crew, please call the Police Department. Normally there is no charge for this permit, but without prior notification, vehicles will be ticketed. Large Trucks & Semis requiring special overnight or weekend parking may park in the lot off Maryland Avenue. There is no charge for this service, but permission in advance by the Police Department is required. For any vehicle disabled and unable to be moved in a timely matter you must contact the police department and obtain permission to leave your vehicle parked until it can be moved.

8. What are the parking restrictions during snowstorms?

Basic winter parking restrictions take effect automatically when three or more inches of snow accumulates in 24 hours or less, or the snow has blown in such a manner as to cause traffic congestion or a traffic hazard. To aid the Street Department in plowing or removing snow, these restrictions prohibit parking on streets, alleys and parking lots between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. for 48 hours or until plowing is completed. When severe weather conditions exist, the Mayor or his designee can make an Emergency Declaration, which is broadcast to the general public (see below). Under an Emergency Declaration, parking is totally prohibited on streets, alleys and in parking lots for the duration of the emergency. By ordinance, the police have the authority to ticket and tow illegally parked vehicles, day or night.

9. I received a parking ticket that I believe was unfair. How do I contest it?

Bring your parking ticket to the police department and request a review of the citation. You will have to fill out a form stating your reason why you believe the ticket was unfair. The Operations Lieutenant reviews all requests submitted and will contact you for further discussion of your concerns in this matter. Parking Review Form

10. I received a traffic/ordinance citation that I believe was unfair. How do I contest it?

For ordinance violations, the court appearance date will be provided on the front of the citation. If you wish to change a court date, please call the Municipal Court clerk at 342.1129 prior to the scheduled appearance date.

11. How do I find out if I have outstanding fines to pay?

The Police Department and Municipal Court Clerk will be able to tell if you have outstanding fines with the City of Burlington. For incidents in other jurisdictions, you must contact the court clerk of the jurisdiction in which the incident/arrest occurred. The Wisconsin Circuit Court web site may help you determine the jurisdiction of cases involving the Circuit Courts but it will not have data from municipal courts.

12. Where do I pay my fines?

The City of Burlington Police Department will only take payments on fines issued by this department (unless there is a warrant). Payments prior to the initial court date can be made at the City of Burlington Police Department, 224 E. Jefferson Street. Payments after the initial court date should be made to the City of Burlington Municipal Court Clerk, 300 N. Pine Street.

13. Where can I get information about school closings or weather alerts?

Information is made available as soon as possible to the following media:
WTMJ-TV/Channel 4, WITI-TV/Channel 6, WISN-TV/Channel 12 and WTMJ/Radio AM 620

14. Where can I get copies of Wisconsin registration forms?

The Police Department has a number of DOT or DNR forms available for your convenience, such as snowmobile registration, boat registration, application for handicap parking, change of address, and vehicle registration. Please come to the Police Department window or call if you need a particular form not mentioned here. We probably have it!

15. How can I get a copy of my driving record?

Copies of driver records may only be obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Records & Licensing Information Section, PO Box 7995 Madison, WI 53707-7995 or phone 608.266.2353. There is a $5 fee, made payable to Registration Free Trust. The request form is also available at the City of Burlington Police Department.

16. How can I get a copy of my police record?

The Police Department can only supply records of citations and arrests that occurred in the City of Burlington. To obtain a statewide criminal record check, visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal Background Checks page. State Criminal History Request forms are also available at the City of Burlington Police Department.

17. What time is curfew in the City Burlington?

Curfew in the city of Burlington is 10:30 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and Midnight on Friday and Saturdays. These do not change during the summer.

18. How do I license my pets?

All pets are required to be licensed in the City of Burlington. The owner of the pet must go to City Hall, 300 N. Pine Street with a current veterinarians certificate of rabies vaccination. The owner will then have to pay a nominal fee to license their pet.

19. How do I license a bicycle?

Bring your bicycle or your bike serial number to the police department and they will issue you a license free of charge.

20. How do I report the spill or release of a hazardous substance?

Call 9-1-1 or the Police Department at 342.1100. The Police Department will determine the appropriate agencies to notify based on the information provided to the dispatcher.

21. What if I have ammunition that I need to dispose of?

Bring the ammunition down to the Police Department in a safe container and we will properly dispose of it.

22. What if I see a wild animal that I believe may be injured or sick?

Please call the dispatch center at 342.1100 and ask for the animal control officer. If the animal control officer is not on duty, inform the dispatcher of your concerns and the appropriate action will be taken.

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Street Department

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1. When can I put leaves in the street?

The Street Department picks up leaves from October 15th to November 15th. Don’t put any leaves out after November 15th, or you run the risk of having them plowed up in your parkway during a winter storm. Please no sticks, brush or garden waste.

2. When is Brush Pick Up?

Brush Pick Up is on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. You must be on the brush list to ensure pick up. You must call the Department of Public Works at 539-3770 with your address, prior to 3 p.m. the Tuesday prior to the pick-up date. It may take several days to complete the list so please be patient, if you have properly registered for brush pick up. Please no steel, lumber, vines, or wire in your brush, if these items are detected, your brush will be left.

3. How do I report a street light outage?

Street light outages and traffic signal problems should be directed to We Energies at https://www.we-energies.com/night_aura/contact/rptoutage.htm or 800-662-4797. 

4. Who is responsible for cleaning and shoveling walks downtown?

The property owner is always responsible for the sidewalks in front of their property, regardless of whether it is residential or commercial. Shop keepers need to clear an opening at the curb for their customers, much like a residential property clears an opening at their carriage walks for visitors at their homes. From time to time, the DPW will remove snow accumulations in the downtown with snow blowers. At that time plows will pull snow from the sidewalks, gather it in to wind rows in the middle of the street and remove it. This in no way eliminates the responsibility of the shop keeper to shovel their front walks.

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Wastewater Department

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1. What should I do if I notice a sewer gas smell in my house?

Presence of a sewer gas smell is most likely caused from a dry sewer trap. Most times, if a 5-gallon pail of water is poured down a basement floor drain, the odor will dissipate.

2. What should I do if I suspect a sewer backup at my home?

First, contact the City of Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant at 262-539-3646. A wastewater operator will be dispatched to your residence to check to ensure that the City’s main sewer line is flowing properly. He will do this by checking the manholes upstream and downstream from your residence. If the operator finds that the City’s main has proper flowage, your next step will be to contact a local plumber to have your lateral investigated for possible blockage, such as tree roots.

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Water Department

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1. My water/sewer bill is unusually high this quarter. Is there something wrong with the meter?

Customers often question the accuracy of the water meter when they feel the bill is high. However, when water meters do become defective, rather than run faster, they tend to slow down due to the hardness and iron in the water wearing down the chamber inside the meter. For this reason, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission requires that water meters be changed every eight to ten years to maintain their accuracy.
Most often, a high bill is due to a water leak at your property. Leaky faucets and faulty water softeners may be the cause of higher water usage. However, toilet leaks are the major causes of high water bills. Sources of a toilet leak may be (1) a high water level in the tank spilling into the overflow tube, (2) an improperly working flushing arm and lift chain, (3) a corroded float rod, ballcock and/or float ball or (4) a deteriorating flapper at the bottom of the tank is not sealing properly and constantly leaking water. Please note that a toilet leak cannot always be heard and a visual inspection is necessary.

2. Why is my water a discolored brown color?

Groundwater contains dissolved minerals, including naturally occurring iron and/or manganese. These minerals settle out of the water and accumulate as sediment in the water mains. Water Utility staff flush the mains on Thursdays during April to August to remove this accumulated sediment and that action can stir up sediment that results in discolored water. Main breaks, contractor work or hydrant flow tests can also stir up sediment in the mains and discolor the water. If your water becomes discolored, run a cold water tap at full force until the water clears, usually in a few minutes. If it doesn’t, call the Water Utility for assistance.