PAW Flushing Fire Hydrants This Week in East & West Norriton

According to Pennsylvania American Water (PAW), flushing of its East Norriton- and West Norriton-area water distribution system begins Tuesday, April 30, and will continue through May 15. PAW regularly flushes its system to ensure that customers continue to receive high-quality water service and to monitor and maintain fire hydrants. 

PAW crews will be flushing hydrants weekdays from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Employees will have photo ID badges and their vehicles are identified with the company logo. 

Service will not be interrupted during the process, but some customers may experience reduced water pressure or discoloration. If your water is discolored, run the tap until the water is clear. In the event of an emergency, or if you have a health condition that could be affected by a change in water supply, call the customer service center at 1-800-565-7292. 

PAW has issued the following flushing schedule and updates are posted on the company’s website at www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com, under "Alerts Notification." 

• April 30 – May 15: East Norriton, West Norriton 
• May 16 – June 7 : Whitpain, Lower Providence 
• June 8 – June 28: Perkiomen Township 

During the flushing process, PAW will temporarily use free chlorine rather than chloramine in its water treatment process. This is common practice during flushing. Throughout the process, PAW is assuring customers it will continue to deliver water service that meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water standards, however some customers may experience a more noticeable chlorine smell. Customers who must dechlorinate their water, such as owners of fish tanks and kidney dialysis units, will not need to change their dechlorination procedures during this period of using chlorine only. 

Tips for Customers During Hydrant Flushing

PAW recommends several steps to lessen some of the potential, temporary disruptions. These conditions are temporary and might last only an hour or two after the conclusion of hydrant flushing.

• Avoid washing laundry and dishwater use – Water might contain sediment and impair the washing process. Avoid washing laundry, especially whites.
• Check your faucet screen – Loose particles might become trapped in your faucet from the hydrant flushing, which might affect water color and pressure.
• Watch for flushing crews – Please use caution when driving through an area where crews are working.

You can download a handy PAW informational brochure in our PDF section.