Our Stories

Sign up and opt-in for general alerts in your MyWater Account to be notified when we're flushing in your area. 

Each year, American Water flushes the pipes in its water distribution systems across the U.S. This is an essential part of our system maintenance program, which helps us to continue to provide you with high-quality water service. 

Flushing our system helps to clean out any build-up of mineral deposits and sediment inside the pipes. These deposits can occur when there is a reduced water demand. We also flush our hydrants to confirm they are operational and to check fire flows in the system.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Flushing involves simultaneously opening fire hydrants in a specific area to create increased water flows. When our crews are on your street or nearby, this process usually takes about one hour.

When crews are in your area, you may notice a drop in water pressure or discolored water. Discolored water may occur because the sediment in water mains gets stirred up when the fire hydrants are used and when the flow of water in mains changes. This is normal. If this happens, it is not harmful. Simply let your water run until it is clear.

BEFORE FLUSHING OCCURS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

• Sign up for our customer notification system at amwater.com/mywater to receive a call, text or email to let you know when we’ll be flushing in your neighborhood.
• Draw water for cooking ahead of time.
• Store a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
• Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.

DURING FLUSHING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

• Avoid running your tap water and using the washing machine or dishwasher while crews are flushing in your area.
• If discolored water occurs, simply run the cold water for a few minutes until it's clear. This will allow the sediment to work its way through your pipes.
• Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap before doing laundry or running the dishwasher. NOTE: If your laundry becomes stained, DO NOT PUT YOUR LAUNDRY IN THE DRYER. Rewash clothes immediately using detergent and add a rust remover. Most rust removers can also be used on stained fixtures.

In some cases, slight discoloration might linger for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water and does not impact water quality. No health hazards are associated with discolored water from hydrant flushing. If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.

HOW TO GET CUSTOMER NOTIFICATIONS

We will use our phone/text/email customer notification system to notify you before we begin flushing your neighborhood. You must opt-in to these types of non-emergency alerts.

• Log into MyWater, American Water’s customer portal, at amwater.com/mywater.
• On the Alert Settings tile, click on the Edit button, which will take you to the page where you can update your contact information and preferences.

CUSTOMER ADVISORY MAP

Click the map below to search by your address and see all of the active alerts for your area, including flushing.