This year’s FALL flush will begin on Sunday, September 14, 2025 and will run through Friday, September 19, 2025.And again, on Sunday, September 21, 2025 through Friday, September 26, 2025. Crews will flush and flow test fire hydrants between the hours of 11 pm – 6 am.
*Rain could potentially affect the planned completion dates and force us to move our flush dates to the following week.
As a necessary part of our semi-annual system maintenance program, Elizabethtown Area Water Authority flushes the water system, so we can continue to provide you with high-quality water service.
Flushing is done in the spring and fall to remove sediment, which has settled in the pipes and collects during the year. While the crews are flushing the system, your water service will not be interrupted. However, you may notice a temporary drop in water pressure or discolored water, which is normal. If the water is discolored, customers should let the water run until it is clear.
Follow these tips while the water system is being flushed:
- Avoid running tap water, flushing toilets, using the washing machine or the dishwasher while the flushing is being done.
- Check for discolored water before using either the washing machine or dishwasher and wait until your water runs clear before using either. If laundry becomes stained from the water, rewash the clothes right away using detergent and a rust remover.
- The discoloration in the water may last a few hours, but it does not affect water quality.
- If the water pressure or water volume is low, check the faucet screens for any trapped particles.
Elizabethtown Area Water Authority
211 W. Hummelstown St. Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Initiatives
Investing in Clean Water for Decades to Come
Existing water mains are 65-125 years old and are reaching the limit of usable life.
Clean, safe water is something we often take for granted. But maintaining a dependable water system requires ongoing investment.
The Elizabethtown Area Water Authority has initiated plans and projects to invest over $30 million in critical infrastructure upgrades through 2029 that will provide a reliable and safe water supply for decades to come.
Read on to learn why these investments are necessary and how they will benefit you.
Replacement of Aged Water Mains
Project
- Replace 36,000 feet of aged cast-iron water mains (length of about 100 football fields)
- Increase the diameter of water mains
Benefits
- Improve water quality
- Increase distribution capacity
- Improve system efficiency
- Reduce risk of water main breaks and leaks
- Prevent costly repairs to the system and roadways
Cost
- $20 million financed through a low-cost state loan
- Anticipating about a 3.5% service charge adjustment for the initial 5-year financing period
- For most residential customers, this adjustment will equate to a bill increase of $5-7 per month
Upgrades to Treatment Plant, Water Storage Tanks and Meters
Upgrades are necessary to maintain reliability and capitalize on new technology.
Project
- Update and improve water treatment plant and wells
- Replace approximately 4,000 water meters
- Install Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
- Paint and coat water storage tanks
Benefits
- Improve water quality
- Mitigate maintenance needs
- Extend treatment plant life
- Enable digital and remote meter reading
- Ensure accurate billing
- Obtain real-time data to reduce wasted water
- Improve water use monitoring for effective demand management
- Prevent potential water tank leaks and failures
- Improve system reliability
Cost
- $10 million funded through capital reserves
Questions?
Contact us at (717) 367-7448 or eawa@etown-water.com
The Elizabethtown Area Water Authority serves over 6,600 customers in Elizabethtown Borough, Mount Joy Township and West Donegal Township and produces an average of 1.5 million gallons of water a day.