New York American Water to Flush Water Mains and Hydrants

New York American Water will be flushing the water distribution system this spring as part of its commitment to ensuring high-quality water service to its customers. This essential part of the company’s maintenance program is performed to clear harmless mineral deposits and sediment that may have built up over time inside the pipes. The process also includes flushing fire hydrants to make sure they are operational and to check flows in the system.

New York American Water will be flushing the system throughout its service areas according to the following schedule:

• March 13 – March 17: Atlantic Beach, East Atlantic Beach, Hewlett, Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck
• March 20 – March 31: Cedarhurst, Inwood, Lawrence

• March 27 – March 31: Meadowmere, North Merrick

• April 3 – April 6: Merrick

• April 3 – April 7: South Merrick, West Hempstead

• April 3 – April 13: Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne

• April 19 – April 21: North Bellmore

• April 19 – April 28: North Woodmere, Valley Stream, Woodmere, Woodsburgh

• April 24 – April 26: Bellmore, South Bellmore

• April 24 – May 5: Bay Park, East Rockaway, Island Park

• May 1 – May 5: Glen Head, Levittown, North Seaford, North Wantagh

• May 1 – May 19: Oceanside

• May 8 – May 12: Glenwood Landing, Rosyln Harbor, Seaford, South Seaford, South Wantagh, Wantagh
• May 8 – May 19: Baldwin, South Hempstead
• May 15 – May 19: Massapequa, Roosevelt, Sea Cliff

• May 22 – May 22: Millneck

Please note: No flushing will be conducted on April 14 (Good Friday) or from April 10 – April 18 (Passover).

When the water system in your area is being flushed, customers may notice a drop in water pressure or experience discolored water. This is a normal part of the process and New York America Water advises customers to let their water run until it becomes clear.

During this annual flushing protocol, New York American Water offers its customers the following tips:

· Mark your calendar so you are prepared when the company begins flushing the water mains in your neighborhood.

· Draw water for cooking ahead of time and store a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking.

· 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.

· If laundry becomes stained, do not put your laundry in the dryer. Rewash clothes immediately using a heavy duty detergent and add a rust remover. Most rust removers can also be used on stained fixtures.

· In some cases, slight discoloration may linger for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water and does not affect the water quality.

· If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been complete, check faucet screens for trapped particles.

For more information on New York American Water’s flushing program, please visit www.newyorkamwater.com. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our customer service center at 1-877-426-6999.

About New York American Water:

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. The company employs 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.