NPU begins annual hydrant flushing program

Routine maintenance procedure helps maintain water quality

Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) will begin the annual flushing of its water system for 2021 on Monday, June 7 and expects to have the work complete 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.

This year’s work is starting in the areas of Otrobando Avenue and West Town Street and will then move across to the areas on and near Case Street and Washington Street.

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 open their cold water tap and allow the water to run for several minutes at full velocity 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.

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