That is recommended. The normal buildup of sediment and minerals could break off from the inside of the water pipes during the transition, which can temporarily cause discolored water. This is similar to what happens during our annual flushing program.
Those minerals and sediment can also collect in water filters, causing them to reach their useful life prematurely. You can prevent that by removing or bypassing your in-home water filtration systems – like the ones used with some refrigerator water dispensers or attached to kitchen faucets – before the start of the transition. You should also bypass any reverse osmosis (RO) system, if you have one. You can resume using filters again in a normal manner after the transition, or after you’ve flushed your system (see FAQ below) and your water runs clear.
You should also bypass your water softener during the transition for the same reasons. See additional information on water softeners in FAQs further below.