New Jersey American Water to Start Annual Spring Cleaning

Water main flushing begins this month and continues through the fall

CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Beginning next week and into the fall months, New Jersey American Water will perform the annual flushing of its water distribution system to support the continued provision of high-quality, reliable water service to our customers.

New Jersey American Water’s Kurt Driscoll flushing a hydrant in the company’s Egg Harbor Township service area. (Photo Credit: New Jersey American Water)

“Flushing the system helps to clean out any buildup of mineral deposits and sediment inside the pipes,” state Thomas Shroba, Vice President of Operations. “The company also flushes its hydrants to confirm they are operational and to check fire flows in the system.”

Flushing involves simultaneously opening fire hydrants in a specific area to create increased water flows. This routine flushing program also includes flushing blowoff valves on dead end water mains throughout the system. The service areas and dates when flushing begins are posted at www.newjerseyamwater.com, under Alerts.

“In addition to continuously investing in our infrastructure, essential maintenance activities such as our hydrant flushing program are key to providing our customers with high-quality drinking water and is an annual requirement of the Water Quality Accountability Act,” Shroba added.

While water mains are being cleaned, customers may notice short periods of low water pressure or discolored water. If customers experience temporary water discoloration, New Jersey American Water recommends running the cold water until it is clear. The following steps are also encouraged:

• Draw water for cooking prior to the flushing period.
• Store a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
• Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.
• If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check faucet screens for trapped particles.

In addition to viewing the schedule on the company’s website, customers also have the option to be updated on the local flushing schedule via phone call, text or email by enrolling in New Jersey American Water’s customer notification system at www.mywater.amwater.com.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220309005604/en/

Media Contact:

Chelsea Kulp

External Affair Manager

Chelsea.Kulp@amwater.com

Source: New Jersey American Water