Kentucky American Water customers may notice more crews this spring for the annual System Flushing Program. Where will these crews be? When will this happen?
Kentucky American Water crews will be opening hydrants this spring and let them flow for a period of time. This is a portion of the normal maintenance activity for water distribution that is referred as system “flushing”.
This year, the “flushing” activity will occur in Fayette County during the evening and overnights starting on April 22 and go until May 10.
Flushing allows KAW to continue providing quality water to customers and helps to remove natural sediment that builds up in pipes over time.
“We pride ourselves on providing excellent quality water to our customers,” said Nick Rowe, president of Kentucky American Water and senior vice president of American Water’s Southeast Division, “and conducting an annual flushing program is a key part of that process.”
During the “flushing” activity, crews will open selected fire hydrants in a coordinated fashion so that water can flow through the water mains and at an accelerated pace through hydrants.
Crews will de-chlorinate the water while it leaves the hydrants in order to remove disinfecting agents so that any water that enters streams is not harmful to aquatic life. Customers may detect a more noticeable chlorine smell in the water starting on April 19 and last until May 20. This is normal and not harmful. KAW will temporarily change its treatment process during the “flushing” by switching the disinfectant used from chloramines to free chlorine.
Customers may also experience a slight discoloration if their water when crews are working in their areas. If you see discoloration, run your faucet on cold water until there is no more color. The water will remain safe to consume, but customers may want to avoid such activities as washing dishes.
Click here for an online map that will show where crews will be “flushing”.
