New Jersey American Water to Start Annual Spring Cleaning

Rhea-AI Summary

New Jersey American Water is set to begin its annual water main flushing program next week, continuing through fall 2023. This initiative aims to maintain high-quality water service by removing sediment and mineral deposits from pipes. Flushing will be conducted in designated areas, with potential short-term effects such as low water pressure or discolored water. Customers are encouraged to prepare accordingly. This program aligns with the Water Quality Accountability Act and supports ongoing investments in infrastructure.

New Jersey American Water serves approximately 2.8 million residents, ensuring reliable water and wastewater services.

Positive

• Implementation of the annual flushing program enhances water quality.
• Supports compliance with the Water Quality Accountability Act.
• Provides reliable water service to approximately 2.8 million residents.

Negative

• Potential short-term low water pressure and discolored water during flushing.

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 its customers.

“Flushing our system helps to clean out any mineral deposits or sediment that may have built up over time inside the pipes,” stated Thomas Shroba, Vice President of Operations. “While we’re flushing, we also check our hydrants to confirm they are operational and 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 it 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, customers are also encouraged to update their contact preferences in their MyWater account and enroll in New Jersey American Water’s customer notification system to receive local flushing and other notifications via phone call, text or email.

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/or wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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 6,500 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. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230302005687/en/

Media:

Erin Banes

External Affairs Specialist

Erin.Banes@amwater.com

Source: New Jersey American Water

FAQ

What is New Jersey American Water's flushing program for 2023?

The flushing program aims to remove sediment from water pipes and will start next week, continuing through fall 2023.

How will the flushing affect water service in Camden, NJ?

Customers may experience temporary low water pressure and discolored water during the flushing process.

Why is New Jersey American Water performing the flushing?

Flushing is essential for maintaining high-quality water service and is required by the Water Quality Accountability Act.

What should customers do during the flushing period?

Customers should prepare by storing drinking water and checking for discolored water before using appliances.