Massive Pipe Flushing in Riga: Where Turbid Water and Pressure Drops May Occur 0 9

Rīgas ūdens LLC will begin large-scale preventive flushing of the main water pipelines in Riga today at 8:00 PM.

The work will cover a section approximately 6.5 kilometers long — from the Brasla Bridge to Jugla in the area of Vidzeme Avenue — and will last until Wednesday evening.

During the flushing, residents of Čiekurkalns, Sarkandaugava, and part of Brasa — in the area of Meness and Kļiana streets — may notice changes in water quality.

The company warns that the water may temporarily become turbid or acquire a whitish tint. This is due to air entering the system after the flushing of the pipes. Rīgas ūdens emphasizes that such water is safe for health and suitable for use.

There will also be brief water outages at the following addresses: Gaujā Street 1A and 1B, as well as Starta Street 3, 5, 6B, and 8. Additionally, reduced water pressure may occur in several houses on Starta Street.

The flushing of the water pipelines is conducted to remove accumulated deposits — particles of iron and minerals that settle inside the pipes over time.

For residents, this primarily means more stable water quality in the future: less turbidity, clearer water, and improved taste.

Currently, Rīgas ūdens is gradually increasing the volume of such preventive work. If previously about 120 kilometers of networks were flushed annually, last year the volume increased almost threefold — to 333.5 kilometers.

In 2026, the company plans to flush 360 kilometers of water supply networks.

The company notes that a long-term plan was developed in collaboration with the Riga Technical University. It provides for regular flushing of more than 1500 kilometers of Riga's water pipelines at least once every five years.

In fact, this is one of the largest preventive maintenance programs for the city's water supply system in recent years.

It was also reported earlier that the municipal enterprise Rīgas ūdens finished 2025 with a profit of over 590,000 euros, and the company's turnover increased to 80.3 million euros.