Illinois American Water Prepares for Annual Hydrant Flushing
Illinois American Water is set to start its annual hydrant flushing in Villa Grove on August 24, running through September 4. This essential process aims to ensure that customers receive high-quality and reliable water services.
The Importance of Flushing
The scheduled flushing routinely clears out mineral deposits and sediment from the water mains. Lucas Esteppe, the Director of Operations for the Eastern Division at Illinois American Water, highlighted the program's significance by stating that it’s crucial for maintaining and improving water service. Flushing not only promotes water quality but also allows the team to inspect fire hydrants to verify their operability and assess fire flows in the system.
The process involves the coordinated opening of fire hydrants in designated areas to generate a substantial water flow, effectively cleaning the pipes. This year, the operation includes flushing blowoff valves on dead-end water mains throughout the network
Customer Guidelines During Flushing
Residents can expect uninterrupted water service; however, there may be brief instances of low pressure or discolored water. To mitigate any inconvenience, residents are advised to:
- - Keep a large pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
- - Verify for discolored water before using appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
After the flushing is concluded, should any discoloration appear, it is recommended to run cold water until it clears. Residents should also check and clean faucet aerators if they experience low water pressure or volume.
For those interested in more information regarding the flushing process, the company has shared several resources on its
official website.
Community Awareness and Safety
Illinois American Water asks residents to stay clear of the area while flushing occurs for both public safety and to provide employees with adequate space to complete their duties. Notifications regarding scheduled flushing will be communicated through the company's mass notification system. Customers are encouraged to keep their contact information current in their MyWater accounts to receive these notifications.
Non-account holders can track updates regarding possible service disruptions due to the flushing program through the Alerts webpage and Customer Advisory Map on the company's website.
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the state’s largest regulated water utility, serving approximately 1.3 million residents with safe, clean, and reliable water services. The company operates a quality control and research laboratory based in Belleville. American Water, the parent company, has a remarkable history dating back to 1886 and serves around 14 million people across the U.S. with dedicated commitment to quality and reliability in water services.
For further details about American Water, visit their official site
here.