New York American Water has launched its “CodeRED” system, which delivers high-speed notifications to customers when water emergencies occur. Customers enrolling in CodeRED can be contacted quickly by text, email, telephone, and the CodeRED mobile app depending on their personal preferences.

CodeRED rapidly contacts large numbers of customers about emergency situations, which include boil water advisories, main breaks, water conservation requirements and other major events impacting water service. The system will also be used for non-urgent notification, such as planned service outages, local hydrant flushing, low-pressure events and major traffic impacts. In addition, CodeRED alerts and a map of the impacted areas will be posted on www.newyorkamwater.com under “Alert Notifications.”

“CodeRED is the fastest and most efficient way to get real time information to our customers using their preferred method of communication,” said Brian Bruce, president of New York American Water. “Once we enter a notification into the system, it can reach thousands of customers in a matter of minutes. We’re excited for this roll out and hope that our customers take advantage of this new service. ”

To take full advantage of the new system, customers are encouraged to log on to New York American Water’s web self-service portal called “My H2O Online” (www.amwater.com/myh2o) to enter their contact information and preferences.

Customers who do not have Internet access can contact New York American Water’s customer service center at 877-426-6999 on Mondays through Fridays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to update their contact information.

Emergency alerts will automatically be sent by CodeRED to all phone numbers and e-mail addresses that are on record. Customers will be sent non-urgent notifications only if they opt-in to receive them. Standard text, data and phone rates may apply.

The new system also offers the CodeRED Mobile Alert app that communicates alerts based on location. The free app sends location-specific notifications to the user’s smartphone. Those who sign up will receive New York Water alerts, along with other public safety information sent by organizations using CodeRED.

Because CodeRED can only contact customers who have a New York American Water account, landlords are urged to pass along alerts and notifications to their tenants. The tenants can also download the CodeRED Mobile Alert app at www.ecnetwork.com/coderedmobilealert.

The My H2O Online self-service portal enables customers to access their account, check water usage, pay bills online, and sign up for paperless billing. Customers who are not enrolled in My H2O Online can register by visiting www.amwater.com/myh2o. After filling out the registration form and submitting it, customers will receive e-mail confirmation from My H2O Online. Click the link provided within the e-mail to confirm and active your registration.

New York American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water company in New York, providing high-quality and reliable water services to more than 350,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded and most geographically diverse U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 47 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.