Press Releases
Water main flushing and temporary water treatment change to begin soon
Lexington, Kentucky – April 14, 2026 – Beginning April 27, Kentucky American Water will begin flushing its water distribution systems as part of its annual maintenance program to continue providing customers with high-quality, reliable water service.
“Scheduled annually to help maintain and improve water service, system flushing removes mineral deposits and sediment from water mains, allowing us to continue providing our customers with high-quality water,” said Justin Sensabaugh, director of operations for Kentucky American Water. “Along with ongoing infrastructure renewal, essential maintenance activities like flushing have consistently contributed to our tap water earning national recognition from the American Water Works Association’s Partnership for Safe Water.”
“This planned work is an essential part of our water distribution system maintenance program and also allows us to inspect our fire hydrants to confirm they are operational and to evaluate fire flows throughout the system,” Sensabaugh said. “These efforts help ensure fire departments have the water supply needed to respond effectively in emergencies.”
Flushing involves opening fire hydrants in specific areas to create increased water flows. This routine program also includes flushing blowoff valves on dead-end water mains throughout the system.
In advance of the flushing program, Kentucky American Water will implement a temporary change in the water treatment process from April 20 through May 20, 2026. During this time, customers may notice slight, temporary changes in the taste or smell of their water. These changes are normal, and the water remains safe to drink and continues to meet all state and federal drinking water standards. Dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners should take appropriate precautions during this temporary change and ensure their water treatment systems are suitable.
Additional flushing information and customer tips are available at: https://newsroom.amwater.com/PrepareForFlushing.
Flushing will occur over several weeks, according to the estimated schedule below, unless operational adjustments are needed:
Bourbon County
April 30 through May 2 (rural areas)
Nighttime hours
North Middletown and Millersburg
May 18 through May 22
Daytime hours
Clark County
May 11 through May 15
Daytime hours
Fayette County
April 27 through May 9
Nighttime hours
Gallatin and Grant Counties
April 27 through May 20
Daytime hours
Owen County
April 27 through May 20 Daytime hours
Rockcastle County
April 27 through May 1
Daytime hours
No temporary treatment change will occur for these customers.
Scott County
May 11 through May 15
Daytime hours
Woodford County
May 7 through May 9
Nighttime hours
Customers may experience temporary water discoloration while crews are flushing in their area. If discoloration occurs, customers should run their cold water tap until the water clears. Customers may also wish to avoid washing clothes during flushing periods, as temporarily discolored water could stain laundry.
An online map is available to help customers determine when flushing will occur in their area: American Water Customer Advisory Map. Customers with questions about the flushing program may also contact Customer Service at 1-800-678-6301.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Kentucky American Water
Kentucky American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK) with approximately 150 dedicated employees, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 550,000 people.
For more information, visit Kentucky American Water’s website and join Kentucky American Water on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Ellen Williams
External Affairs Lead
859-268-6364
Ellen.williams@amwater.com