Illinois American Water Announces Upcoming Hydrant Flushing in Villa Grove

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Illinois American Water (NYSE: AWK) will conduct annual flushing of its water distribution system in Villa Grove from Monday, August 24 through Friday, September 4. The work is intended to maintain high-quality, reliable water service by removing mineral deposits and sediment from water mains and checking fire hydrant operation and fire flows.

According to the company, customers should not experience service interruptions but may see temporary low water pressure or discolored water. Illinois American Water encourages customers to follow preparation tips and to update their contact information in their MyWater account to receive flushing and other non-emergency alerts.

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Annual Flushing starts Monday, August 24 and continues through September 4

VILLA GROVE, Ill., Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning next week, Illinois American Water will perform flushing of its water distribution system to continue to provide customers with high-quality, reliable water service.

"Scheduled annually to maintain and improve water service, flushing removes mineral deposits and sediment from water mains, helping us to continue to provide our customers in Villa Grove with high-quality water service," said Lucas Esteppe, Director of Operations – Eastern Division, Illinois American Water. "This planned work for our water distribution system is an essential part of Illinois American Water's maintenance program, which also allows us to inspect all of our fire hydrants to confirm they are operational and to check fire flows in the system."

Flushing involves simultaneously opening fire hydrants in a specific area to create increased water flows. This routine flushing program also includes flushing blowoff valves on dead-end water mains throughout the system.

Tips for Customers During Flushing Season

While water mains are being cleaned, no interruptions in water service are expected, but customers may notice short periods of low water pressure or discolored water. During the flushing process, the following steps are encouraged:

• Store a large pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
• Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.
• After flushing is complete:
  • If temporary water discoloration occurs, run cold water until it is clear.
  • If water pressure or water volume seems low, check and clean faucet aerators.

For more flushing information and tips to prepare, visit https://newsroom.amwater.com/PrepareForFlushing.

Esteppe adds, "When Illinois American Water crews are flushing a hydrant, the general public is asked to stay away from the area for their safety and to give our employees enough space to complete their work."

Illinois American Water notifies customers when flushing is scheduled to take place in their area through its mass notification system and asks customers to take a few moments to update their contact information and preferences in their MyWater account. Customers must opt-in for general alerts to receive local flushing and other non-emergency notifications via phone call, text or email.  Individuals who are not Illinois American Water account holders can check the Alerts webpage and Customer Advisory Map on the company's website for the latest updates regarding any potential service disruptions due to planned work or emergencies.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

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SOURCE American Water

FAQ

When will Illinois American Water (AWK) flush hydrants in Villa Grove in 2026?

Illinois American Water plans to flush its Villa Grove water system from Monday, August 24 through Friday, September 4, 2026. According to the company, this annual program maintains water quality, removes mineral deposits, and allows inspection of hydrants and fire flows throughout the distribution system.

Why is Illinois American Water (AWK) performing hydrant flushing in Villa Grove?

Illinois American Water is flushing the Villa Grove system to help maintain and improve water service quality. According to the company, flushing removes mineral deposits and sediment from mains and lets crews verify hydrants are operational and check system fire flows as part of its maintenance program.

Will Villa Grove customers lose water service during the 2026 hydrant flushing by AWK?

Illinois American Water does not expect interruptions in water service during Villa Grove’s flushing period. According to the company, customers may briefly experience lower water pressure or discolored water while mains are cleaned, and are advised to check water before laundry or dishwashing and follow recommended tips.

What should AWK customers in Villa Grove do if water is discolored after flushing?

If temporary discoloration occurs after flushing, Illinois American Water advises running cold water until it clears. According to the company, customers should also check and clean faucet aerators if water pressure or volume seems low, helping restore normal flow and clarity following hydrant and main flushing activities.

How can Illinois American Water (AWK) customers get hydrant flushing alerts in Villa Grove?

Customers can receive flushing alerts by updating contact details and preferences in their MyWater account and opting in to general alerts. According to the company, non-account holders can monitor the Alerts webpage and Customer Advisory Map for updates on planned work and any related service disruptions.

Is it safe to be near hydrants while Illinois American Water flushes in Villa Grove?

Illinois American Water asks the public to stay away from areas where crews are actively flushing hydrants. According to the company, this precaution protects public safety and gives employees the space needed to complete work efficiently while managing higher water flows from open hydrants.