Iowa American Water Adjusts Treatment and Plans Water Main Flushing in the Iowa Quad Cities
DAVENPORT, IA (APRIL 13, 2020) – Iowa American Water is adjusting its treatment process in the Iowa Quad Cities as part of its regular, ongoing water main flushing program. This routine work is an essential part of our system maintenance program, and is unrelated to the current COVID-19 health emergency. The treatment adjustment will not affect customers in Dixon or Clinton.
Iowa American Water’s drinking water treatment barriers provide protection that includes filtration and disinfection of our water supplies. These treatments are effective in removing and/or inactivating viruses. Our water meets all current federal and state drinking water requirements.
“Our annual flushing program enhances customer water service by flushing or cleaning mineral deposits and sediment from water mains to maintain a high quality of water in the Iowa Quad Cities distribution system and also allows us to inspect and operate all of our fire hydrants to assure they are in good working order,” said Monica DeLaPaz, operations superintendent.
Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality experts to ensure optimum levels are present. However, during the transition from winter into spring, the Mississippi River’s water quality changes; requiring periods of slightly elevated chlorine levels to safely and consistently disinfect our water. Most customers will not notice this subtle change; but some customers who are sensitive to chlorine may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their tap water. There is no reason for concern as the water continues to meet or exceed all state and federal water quality regulations.
Iowa American Water’s routine water main flushing program will be ongoing this spring. Crews will flush the distribution system from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. during the workweek.
“The flushing program is designed to maintain a high quality of water in the distribution system by flushing or cleaning mineral deposits and sediment from water mains. Over time, these sediments can build up in water mains causing discolored water and/or restricted flows,” she said.
While no interruptions in water service will occur as a result of the work, Iowa American Water advises that when crews are flushing nearby, customers may experience a drop in water pressure or some discoloration of their water. Iowa American Water recommends that any customers experiencing discolored water let their cold water run to clear before using it again and refrain from doing laundry during that time. Any water discoloration or low-pressure problems should last only a short period of time. If problems persist, notify Iowa American Water’s customer service line toll free 24-hours-a-day at 1-866-641-2108.
Flushing will be performed by Iowa American Water crews. They will be working out of trucks identified with the company logo and will have photo ID badges. For the safety of our employees and our customers, however, we request that customers please follow the social distancing recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control if we are performing flushing work in their neighborhood.
About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investorowned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 216,000 people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
Media Contact:
Lisa Reisen, External Affairs Manager
563-468-9221
Lisa.Reisen@amwater.com
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DAVENPORT, IA (APRIL 13, 2020) – Iowa American Water is adjusting its treatment process in the Iowa Quad Cities as part of its regular, ongoing water main flushing program. This routine work is an essential part of our system maintenance program, and is unrelated to the current COVID-19 health emergency. The treatment adjustment will not affect customers in Dixon or Clinton.
Iowa American Water’s drinking water treatment barriers provide protection that includes filtration and disinfection of our water supplies. These treatments are effective in removing and/or inactivating viruses. Our water meets all current federal and state drinking water requirements.
“Our annual flushing program enhances customer water service by flushing or cleaning mineral deposits and sediment from water mains to maintain a high quality of water in the Iowa Quad Cities distribution system and also allows us to inspect and operate all of our fire hydrants to assure they are in good working order,” said Monica DeLaPaz, operations superintendent.
Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality experts to ensure optimum levels are present. However, during the transition from winter into spring, the Mississippi River’s water quality changes; requiring periods of slightly elevated chlorine levels to safely and consistently disinfect our water. Most customers will not notice this subtle change; but some customers who are sensitive to chlorine may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their tap water. There is no reason for concern as the water continues to meet or exceed all state and federal water quality regulations.
Iowa American Water’s routine water main flushing program will be ongoing this spring. Crews will flush the distribution system from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. during the workweek.
“The flushing program is designed to maintain a high quality of water in the distribution system by flushing or cleaning mineral deposits and sediment from water mains. Over time, these sediments can build up in water mains causing discolored water and/or restricted flows,” she said.
While no interruptions in water service will occur as a result of the work, Iowa American Water advises that when crews are flushing nearby, customers may experience a drop in water pressure or some discoloration of their water. Iowa American Water recommends that any customers experiencing discolored water let their cold water run to clear before using it again and refrain from doing laundry during that time. Any water discoloration or low-pressure problems should last only a short period of time. If problems persist, notify Iowa American Water’s customer service line toll free 24-hours-a-day at 1-866-641-2108.
Flushing will be performed by Iowa American Water crews. They will be working out of trucks identified with the company logo and will have photo ID badges. For the safety of our employees and our customers, however, we request that customers please follow the social distancing recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control if we are performing flushing work in their neighborhood.
About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investorowned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 216,000 people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
Media Contact:
Lisa Reisen, External Affairs Manager
563-468-9221
Lisa.Reisen@amwater.com
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