If you are an NJAW customer and wondering why the running water in your home is brown, be advised, the water company is currently conducting a system ‘flushing’. The following is a statement from NJAW: Each year, New Jersey American Water scrubs our pipes in the nearly 200 communities we serve. This is an essential part of our system maintenance program, because it helps us to continue to provide you with high-quality water service.”
Lakewood’s flushing dates are between April 8 and July 7, 2012. The MUA does not yet have an updated 2012 schedule.
View your town’s schedule here.
“To cleanse the system, we systematically open our fire hydrants to increase water flows – allowing us to “flush” any minerals and deposits from the pipes. While flushing the system won’t interrupt your water service, when crews are working in your area, you may notice a temporary drop in water pressure or discolored water. This is normal. If this happens, simply let your water run until it is clear.”
Customer Tips
- 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 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 affect 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. TLS.
Each side is flushing out the other side with discolored election water
why do we have to focus on color? can’t we all just get along?
Let me just get this straight: If your clothes get discolored, use a rust remover. Yet this is only affecting water appearance and not quality. Does not add up. I will avoid drinking the rust.
rust is good for you. but not your clothes.
but…better probably to let it run an extra minute and then drink.
throw American Water out of lakewood we need compertition.
Will this clog up my whole house water filters? If so, how can I know when this will take place in my neighborhood so I don’t use the water until it clears up?