Blog Post

Water System Flushing for Routine Maintenance and Emergencies

Hampstead Area Water Company • April 1, 2022
Water Mains Flushing from Hydrant

As part of Hampstead Area Water Company’s commitment to ensure the highest quality water for our customers, our water operators must perform preventive maintenance on our service lines. This maintenance is called “Flushing”. This process is done to ensure the highest quality water for our customers as well as maintain our service lines.

You will receive notices when the process will happen and may notice our Water Operators manually releasing water from fire hydrants or blow off valves within our water system. This process allows us to flush the main water lines. 

This process cleans the buildup of minerals and sediment on the inside of the water mains.

The buildup of sediment in the water lines is normal. This does not mean that your water is unsafe to drink. To help you better understand, here is a breakdown of what, where, when, why, and how we perform our water service flushing, and what you need to know before, during, and after we do it. 

During this process you may experience low water pressure or discolored water. Please try and refrain from excessive use; do not run your washing machine, dishwasher or run water for long periods of time.

What we are doing 

Our water operators open hydrants and blow off valves on the water mains. They flush the water mains at a high velocity. This stirs up and removes sediment from the length of the water main to ensure quality water is being provided to our customers. 

Why we are doing this


Too much mineral and sediment build up can lead to decreased water flow and discolored water. Flushing the water mains protects the flow for clean water at the highest flow rate throughout the service lines.,

How long this will last 


For you, the customer, this should only last a few hours as we flush past your property. We may be in the neighborhood for more than one day, but your water shouldn’t be affected for long. For us, this process can typically last between a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the targeted areas. 

How much water we go through 

The goal is to flush out as much sediment as possible without wasting too much water. The amount of water needed to flush out a water main depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the main, water pressure and the sediment build-up.

Isn’t this a waste of water? 

It may seem like it, but no. In fact, it’s a necessary task utilized by all water systems as normal maintenance and service to its infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water

How does this affect me?

While HAWC is flushing your water, please try to limit your usage. Flushing can cause a shortage of water pressure with the sediments of water reaching your home. Your water will remain safe and meeting all the water quality standards. 

At the end of the day once we have completed our flushing you may experience sediment or discolored water in your home. Please follow these simple steps to endure that your home lines and quality of water are not affected.

Flushing the water in your home is simple if done properly. 

Customers should flush a cold tap for a few minutes, no longer than 15. Do not use a tap with a water filter connected to it because sediment could clog the filter. Do not use a hot water tap either; sediment could start flooding into your hot water tank. 

Test your water by pouring it into a transparent cup or container. If the water is clear, it is acceptable to use for laundry and washing dishes. If the water from the tap doesn’t clear in five minutes, wait half an hour and try again. 

If the water is still discolored after three to four hours, call our customer service line at 603-362-4299. 

I want to learn more 

Please feel free to call us with any questions at 603-362-4299 or send us an email at customerservice@hampsteadwater.com.

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November 22, 2023 Dear Water Customer, On November 24, 2020, The Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. (HAWC) filed for a rate increase with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC). The increases in the water rates are designed to allow the Company to recover its costs and to earn a reasonable return on its investment. After due consideration and review by the parties, HAWC, the NH Department of Energy, the NH Office of the Consumer Advocate, the Town of Atkinson and the Town of Hampstead entered into a Settlement Agreement. The NHPUC approved the rate increase incorporated into the Settlement Agreement on June 2, 2022; NHPUC Order Number 26,635. This order includes a rate increase to water charges with two proposed step increases in the future, and the approval to charge for private fire protection in residential homes with fire protection systems. On November 8, 2023, the NHPUC approved the Step 2 Adjustment, Order Number 26,902 . In the Step 2 adjustment the monthly base rate charged by HAWC for customers with a 5/8” meter (most residential customers) will increase from the current rate of $12.89 per month to $14.24 per month. The consumption rate will increase from the current rate of $7.72 per 100cf to $8.41 per 100cf. The private fire protection charges will not change. The complete list of new rates can be found on our website at https://www.hampsteadwater.com/water-rates-fee-info . We at Hampstead Area Water Co., Inc. would like to express our appreciation to you, our customers. We thank you for your support while we continue improving our abilities to better serve you now and into the future. Should you have additional questions please feel free to contact our office Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at (603) 362-4299 or by email at customerservice@hampsteadwater.com . Sincerely,
August 25, 2023
Dear Valued Customers, We understand that you may be experiencing frustration due to the recent colored water issue affecting our water supply. We want to assure you that we are fully aware of this situation and are actively working to address it in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). The following is a statement issued by the NH Department of Environmental Services on August 17th, 2023: We understand your frustration with the colored water you are receiving. NHDES is aware of widespread colored water in the Hampstead Area and Salem water systems. We are communicating closely with the operators and managers of both water systems while they work to resolve the issue. While we understand colored water is disruptive and aesthetically unpleasant, both Salem and Hampstead Area water systems are in compliance with all state and federal primary drinking water standards, including additional samples required by NHDES as a result of this issue. Color and manganese at the levels measured exceed what is referred to as secondary standards, which are based on aesthetics, not public health risk. The colored water occurrence is linked to elevated manganese and natural organic matter (NOM) in Salem's source water. This elevation is likely attributed to periods of high precipitation and runoff, which the Salem treatment process is not specifically designed to fully eliminate. Hampstead Area Water Company (HAWC), relies significantly on water sourced from the Town of Salem to meet the demand, especially during peak usage periods. We wish to inform you that Salem has taken immediate steps to address the situation by implementing operational adjustments and temporary additional treatment at their plant. As a result, the water leaving the plant is now clear. However, it will take some time for this clear water to fully circulate through both distribution systems. NHDES is working collaboratively with Salem to develop a comprehensive corrective action plan. This plan aims to improve Salem's intake and treatment processes to prevent such occurrences in the future. We sincerely understand the inconvenience this situation has caused you and appreciate your patience. Rest assured, both Salem and HAWC are committed to resolving this issue and ensuring the provision of safe and clear water to our valued customers. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. Sincerely, Michael C. Unger, PE Water Engineer Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau NH Department of Environmental Services Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. (HAWC) is providing this update to address concerns regarding recent drinking water color. The company is committed to providing the highest quality water to its customers and ensuring transparency as it addresses this issue. Please continue to utilize the water color report submission located on the home page of www.hampsteadwater.com Thank you for your patience and understand that we are working hard to resolve this issue, and although the water was not aesthetically pleasing, at no time during this event did any water samples exceed safe drinking water standards. Stay Informed: Regularly check HAWC’s website at www.hampsteadwater.com and social media channels for updates on the progress of our efforts. For inquiries and more information, please contact: Customer Service Hampstead Area Water Company, Inc. Phone: 603-362-4299 Email: customerservice@hampsteadwater.com Website: www.hampsteadwater.com
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