Press Releases
Annual Flushing starts Wednesday, July 15 and continues through September 4
Cairo, Ill. (July 13, 2026) – Beginning Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Illinois American Water’s Cairo, Rosiclare, and Hardin County Districts will perform flushing of its water distribution system to continue to provide customers with high-quality, reliable water service in Cairo, Rosiclare, and Hardin County. This work should be completed by September 4, 2026.
“Scheduled annually to maintain and improve water service, flushing removes mineral deposits and sediment from water mains, helping us to continue to provide our customers with high-quality water service,” said Jeffrey Stout, Manager of Operations, Illinois American Water. “This planned work for our water distribution systems is an essential part of Illinois American Water’s maintenance program, which also allows us to inspect our fire 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.
Tips for Customers During Flushing Season
While water mains are being cleaned, no interruptions in water service are expected, but customers may notice short periods of low water pressure or discolored water. During the flushing process, the following steps are encouraged:
- Store a large pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
- Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.
- After flushing is complete:
- If temporary water discoloration occurs, run cold water until it is clear.
- If water pressure or water volume seems low, check and clean faucet aerators.
For more flushing information and tips to prepare, visit https://newsroom.amwater.com/PrepareForFlushing.
Stout adds, “When Illinois American Water crews are flushing a hydrant, the general public is asked to stay away from the area for their safety and to give our employees enough space to complete their work.”
Illinois American Water notifies customers when flushing is scheduled to take place in their area through its mass notification system and asks customers to take a few moments to update their contact information and preferences in their MyWater account. Customers must opt-in for general alerts to receive local flushing and other non-emergency notifications via phone call, text or email. Individuals who are not Illinois American Water account holders can check the Alerts webpage and Customer Advisory Map on the company’s website for the latest updates regarding any potential service disruptions due to planned work or emergencies.
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 Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Media Contact:
Anna Kubas
External Communications
Illinois American Water
Anna.Kubas@amwater.com