Norwich — Norwich Public Utilities started its annual spring water system flushing this week, and the work is scheduled to be complete before June 1.

NPU will open hydrants throughout its service area with an initial focus on areas outside of Norwich, including Lebanon and Bozrah. The flushing then will start in the West Town Street, East Town Street, New London Turnpike, Canterbury Turnpike and Laurel Hill areas.

In almost all instances, work will take place between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Flushing a water system on a regular basis helps remove sediments that build up within the pipes and ensures that NPU water has sufficient oxygen, disinfectant levels and acceptable taste and smell.

Recently, NPU exceeded the newly revised maximum contaminant level in its water for trihalomethanes (TTHMs) as set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a few isolated incidents. The flushing of its water system is part of the NPU strategy to address the issue.

During and immediately after the flushing, customers may experience a slight and short-term discoloration of water. Customers are advised to open their taps and allow the water to run for a few minutes at full velocity, which should resolve the issue.

For more information, contact the NPU Customer Service Center at (860) 887-2555.