Illinois American Water Annual Maintenance Program Includes Flushing Mains, Fire Hydrants and Temporary Water Treatment Change in Metro East

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Illinois American Water (NYSE:AWK) will begin its annual maintenance program in the Metro East system on August 17, running through the end of September. Work includes flushing water mains and testing fire hydrants, plus a temporary switch to free chlorine disinfection at the East St. Louis and Granite City plants.

The company advises customers that they may notice brief drops in water pressure, temporary discoloration, or a chlorine taste or odor. Direct and wholesale communities across Metro East will be affected, and customers are being notified via calls, emails and texts based on their preferences.

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For institutions using specialized water-purification equipment, Illinois American Water reports contacting them about the temporary free-chlorine change at its East St. Louis and Granite City plants; questions about health or equipment should go to the relevant healthcare provider.

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BELLEVILLE, Ill., Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, August 17, Illinois American Water will begin its annual maintenance program in the Metro East water system that includes testing and flushing fire hydrants in addition to a temporary change in water treatment. This annual maintenance work supports continued delivery of water and fire protection to homes and businesses. The maintenance program will continue through the end of September.

WATER MAIN AND FIRE HYDRANT FLUSHING 
Flushing the water system and checking hydrants, in support of fire protection, entails sending a rapid flow of water through the water mains. While Illinois American Water crews are testing and flushing the system and fire hydrants, customers may experience a temporary drop in water pressure or draw some discolored water for a short period. If discolored water occurs, it is recommended that customers refrain from doing laundry and let their cold water run briefly; the water should clear up on its own.

TEMPORARY WATER TREATMENT CHANGE
In addition to the water main and hydrant flushing, Illinois American Water's water quality team will be switching water treatment to a form of chlorine known as "free chlorine," which does not contain ammonia at the water treatment plants in East St. Louis and Granite City. This stronger disinfectant is typically used by water utilities when flushing water mains and fire hydrants. Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality professionals. This process occurs annually.

During the temporary water treatment change, customers may experience chlorine taste or odor in their water. There is no reason for concern. This is due to the switch in chlorine types. Institutions with additional water purification filters for special needs, for instance hospitals and dialysis centers, have been contacted about this water treatment change. Anyone with questions about their personal health and health care equipment should reach out to their healthcare provider.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
The maintenance program will occur in all direct service communities including Belleville, Brooklyn, Cahokia Heights, Canteen Township, East St. Louis, Fairmont City, Granite City, Madison, Lovejoy, Nameoki Township, National City, Sauget, Shiloh, St. Clair Township, Stookey Township, Swansea, Venice, Washington Park and Livingston. This work will also include sale-for-resale (wholesale) communities including Bond Madison Water Company, Cahokia Heights, Caseyville, Glen Carbon, Metro East Municipal Join Action Water Agency (MEMJAWA – that also provides water to Columbia and Cahokia Heights), Millstadt, Mitchell Public Water District, O'Fallon (that also provides water to Fairview Heights), Pontoon Beach, Pontoon Beach Water District, Scott Air Force Base.

Direct customers are being notified of this work via the company's notification system which includes calls, emails and/or texts to customers based on their preferences. Customers are encouraged to update their contact information to receive updates about water service emergencies and work. Customers can update their information online via MyWater. For additional information, customers are encouraged to visit the 'Alerts' page at www.illinoisamwater.com.

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

What is Illinois American Water's 2026 Metro East annual maintenance program for AWK customers?

Illinois American Water is performing its annual Metro East maintenance program from mid-August through September, flushing water mains, testing fire hydrants and temporarily changing disinfection. According to Illinois American Water, this work supports continued delivery of water service and fire protection to homes and businesses across direct and wholesale communities.

When will the Illinois American Water Metro East flushing and temporary treatment change occur in 2026?

The Metro East maintenance program begins on August 17, 2026 and continues through the end of September. According to Illinois American Water, work will occur across all listed direct service communities and several wholesale systems, including MEMJAWA, Bond Madison Water Company, O'Fallon and others.

What does the temporary switch to free chlorine mean for Illinois American Water (AWK) Metro East customers?

Illinois American Water will temporarily switch to “free chlorine” disinfection, which does not contain ammonia, at its East St. Louis and Granite City plants. According to Illinois American Water, this stronger disinfectant is commonly used during flushing programs and may cause a noticeable chlorine taste or odor.

Will Illinois American Water's 2026 Metro East maintenance affect water taste, odor or color?

Customers may experience temporary chlorine taste or odor and short-term discoloration or pressure drops during flushing. According to Illinois American Water, these effects result from main flushing and the free chlorine switch and should clear on their own; customers are advised to briefly run cold water if discoloration occurs.

How are Illinois American Water Metro East customers notified about the 2026 flushing and treatment change?

Illinois American Water is notifying direct customers through its notification system using calls, emails and texts based on customer preferences. According to Illinois American Water, customers should update contact details via MyWater and can find additional information on the company’s online Alerts page.