Peoria Annual Maintenance Program Includes Fire Hydrant Flushing and T...

Peoria, Ill. (October 18, 2024) - Next week, Illinois American Water will begin its annual maintenance program that includes testing and flushing fire hydrants in addition to a temporary change in water treatment. This annual maintenance work supports the provision of continued quality water and fire protection to homes and businesses; it will occur across the Peoria water distribution system starting Sunday, October 20 and will last for three weeks.

FIRE HYDRANT FLUSHING
Flushing the water system entails sending a rapid flow of water through the water mains. Fire hydrants are also checked and operated to support fire protection in the community. While Illinois American Water crews are testing and flushing fire hydrants, customers may experience a temporary drop in water pressure or draw some discolored water for a short period. If discolored water occurs, it is recommended that customers refrain from doing laundry and let their cold water run briefly; the water should clear up on its own.

WATER TREATMENT CHANGE
In addition to the hydrant maintenance and flushing, Illinois American Water's water quality team will be switching treatment to a form of chlorine known as "free chlorine," which does not contain ammonia. This stronger disinfectant is typically used by water utilities when flushing water mains and fire hydrants. Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality professionals. During the temporary treatment change, customers may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their water. There is no reason for concern. This is due to the switch in chlorine types. Institutions with additional water purification filters for special needs, for instance Hospitals and Dialysis Centers, have been contacted about this work and are aware of the treatment change. Anyone with questions about home healthcare equipment should reach out to their healthcare provider.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The maintenance program will occur in all communities served directly by Illinois American Water in Peoria, Bartonville, West Peoria, Rome and surrounding areas. This work will also include sale-for-resale (wholesale) communities including Dunlap, Mapleton, Hanna City, Kingston Mines, T-L Rural Water District, and Deluxe Lake Estates in Bellevue. Customers are being notified of this work via media outreach, customer calls and information on Illinois American Water's website at www.illinoisamwater.com. For additional information, customers are encouraged to visit the 'Alerts' page at www.illinoisamwater.com.

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, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 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.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.4 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.