Norwich — Norwich Public Utilities this week will begin its annual flushing of the water system, completing the work by early September.

NPU workers open hydrants throughout its service area with an initial focus on its biggest mains that feed larger service areas in the city. Once complete, localized flushing of smaller mains in neighborhoods will take place throughout the summer.

The initial work this year will take place along West Town Street, east of the Route 2 overpass, then proceeding up Yantic Road toward the Hale Mill neighborhood, and across the Sunnyside Bridge to the neighborhoods near Sunnyside Avenue, then proceeding down Otrobando Avenue, Washington Street, Lafayette Street, New London Turnpike and Asylum Street.

NPU will provide regular updates on the status and schedule on its Facebook page, bit.ly/NPUtilitiesFB, in the weeks ahead.

There are 1,385 hydrants on the NPU system, and the utility is scheduled to flush approximately half 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 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The flushing of a water system on a regular basis helps remove sediments that build up in 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, 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.

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