Residents in the Portsmouth Water and Fire District (PWFD) may see discoloration and reduced water pressure over the next week as a required flushing process clears out the water mains in town, the PWFD advised in a notice to local media. Beginning tonight, those in the affected areas should avoid washing clothes or drawing from hot water tanks until any discoloration is cleared, said the PWFD.

The flushing will occur from 8pm to 4am, and water should be clear by mid-day. Here's the schedule:

Tonight, Oct 11: Willow Lane and Sprague Street, Bristol Ferry Road to Camara Drive and Mitchell Road, and side streets.

Tomorrow, Oct 12: Bristol Ferry Road from Cherokee Drive to Bayview Avenue, Boyds Lane to East Main Road and side streets. East Main Road from Sprague Street and Child Street to Boyds Lane and side streets, including Viking Drive area.

Thursday, Oct 13: Island Park and Hummocks Point areas. (Whee, no laundry on Thursday nite!)

Tuesday, Oct 18: Sprague Street to Freeborn Street,Turnpike Avenue and side streets; West Main Road from Statue Way to Sprague Street and side streets.

Wednesday, Oct 19: East Main Road fromChild Street to Clements and Aquidneck Place and side streets to SakonnetRiver. Also Common Fence Point.

Thursday, Oct 20 : Common Fence Point.

Editorial note: Written from a press release.