NORWICH – Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) has begun its annual flushing of its hydrants for 2025 and expects to have the work completes by the end of September.  

Each year, NPU flushes its water system by opening hydrants throughout its service area with initial focus on the mains that feed larger service areas in Norwich. Once complete, localized flushing of smaller mains in neighborhoods will take place throughout the summer and into the fall.   

NPU crews will be working in the Norwichtown area from Backus Hospital to Downtown throughout the month of May and into early June. 

NPU will provide regular updates on the status and schedule of this important project on its Facebook page in the weeks ahead.

There are 1,385 hydrants on the NPU system, and the utility is scheduled to flush approximately 700 this summer as part of a multi-year cycle. In almost all instances, this work, which is done by NPU crews, will take place between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

The flushing of a water system on a regular basis helps remove sediments that build up within its pipes and ensures that NPU customers will be delivered water with sufficient oxygen, disinfectant levels and an acceptable taste and smell.

During and immediately after the flushing of the NPU water system, customers may experience a slight and short-term discoloration of their water. Customers are advised to fully open their cold water tap and allow the water to run for several minutes, which should resolve the issue. It is possible for these issues to arise anywhere on the NPU water system while the flushing process is underway. Some customers might also experience a slight – and temporary – decrease in their water pressure while this work is underway.

Visit the link to watch a short video about hydrant flushing.

For any concerns, customers are encouraged to contact the NPU Customer Service Center at 860.887.2555.