Virginia American Water Announces Upcoming Annual Spring Hydrant Flushing
Alexandria, Va. (April 1, 2024) – Virginia American Water will begin routine flushing of its water distribution system in Alexandria and Dale City, beginning Monday, April 1 and is anticipated to complete flushing by the end of May. Fairfax Water, Virginia American Water’s bulk water supplier, began their routine, temporary change in water treatment from combined chlorine to free chlorine on March 25.
During the routine change in disinfectants, some residents may notice a slightly stronger chlorine taste and odor in their drinking water. If you’re especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine, we recommend that you keep an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator. This will enable the chlorine to dissipate, reducing the chlorine taste.
This work is an essential part of our system maintenance program and is necessary for customers to continue to receive high-quality water service. Flushing the system helps to clean out any buildup of mineral deposits and sediment inside the pipes. The company also flushes hydrants owned by the City of Alexandria to confirm they are operational and to check fire flows in the system. The process of flushing involves simultaneously opening fire hydrants in a specific area to create increased water flows.
Tips for Customers During Hydrant Flushing
If customers experience temporary water discoloration, Virginia American Water recommends running the cold water until it is clear. The following steps are also encouraged:
- Store a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
- Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.
- If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check faucet screens for trapped particles.
- Watch for flushing crews -Please use caution when driving through an area where crews are working.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 360,000 people.
Alexandria, Va. (April 1, 2024) – Virginia American Water will begin routine flushing of its water distribution system in Alexandria and Dale City, beginning Monday, April 1 and is anticipated to complete flushing by the end of May. Fairfax Water, Virginia American Water’s bulk water supplier, began their routine, temporary change in water treatment from combined chlorine to free chlorine on March 25.
During the routine change in disinfectants, some residents may notice a slightly stronger chlorine taste and odor in their drinking water. If you’re especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine, we recommend that you keep an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator. This will enable the chlorine to dissipate, reducing the chlorine taste.
This work is an essential part of our system maintenance program and is necessary for customers to continue to receive high-quality water service. Flushing the system helps to clean out any buildup of mineral deposits and sediment inside the pipes. The company also flushes hydrants owned by the City of Alexandria to confirm they are operational and to check fire flows in the system. The process of flushing involves simultaneously opening fire hydrants in a specific area to create increased water flows.
Tips for Customers During Hydrant Flushing
If customers experience temporary water discoloration, Virginia American Water recommends running the cold water until it is clear. The following steps are also encouraged:
- Store a large bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking.
- Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.
- If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check faucet screens for trapped particles.
- Watch for flushing crews -Please use caution when driving through an area where crews are working.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 360,000 people.