Annual Water Main Flushing

2013 Water Main Flushing Program

Each spring, Fairfax Water flushes its water mains by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. We do this to maintain the high water quality in our distribution system. Last year, Fairfax Water changed the process for flushing hydrants. Historically, the flushing was done during the overnight hours. Last year, we flushed during the day to better protect our employees’ safety and to better direct water flow to reduce potential property damage resulting from running water. This change in timing was very successful based on the increased number of hydrants flushed and the lack of injury to employees. Although the majority of hydrants will be flushed during the day, we may occasionally elect to flush some hydrants at night to avoid traffic disruption at major intersections.

You will likely notice Fairfax Water personnel in your neighborhood operating hydrants from April through June. You will be able to recognize our employees at work by a number of identifiers. Our employees will be driving vehicles identified with the Fairfax Water logo and will be displaying a sign that identifies the employee as part of the Fairfax Water flushing program. In addition, all employees will be wearing uniforms with the same logo.

Flushing may result in some temporary discoloration and the presence of sediment in your water. These conditions are not harmful and should be of very short duration. Keeping an open container of drinking water in the refrigerator allows the chlorine to dissipate, which usually improves the taste of the water.

If you have questions about this program or the work being conducted in your area, you may call our dispatch operator any time of the day or night at 703-698-5613, TTY 711.

Temporary Change to Free Chlorine

During this period of time, a slight change is made in the water treatment process to facilitate an effective flushing program. Throughout the year, chloramines, or combined chlorine, is added to the water as the primary disinfectant. During the spring flushing program, chlorine is added in an uncombined state, commonly referred to as free chlorine. Free chlorine is somewhat more volatile than combined, providing exceptional availability to react with sediments suspended during flushing. Fairfax Water will use free chlorine as the primary disinfectant from April 1, 2013, through the end of July 1, 2013. Depending on your location within the distribution system and usage patterns, it could take up to a week for your drinking water to transition from combined to free chlorine at the beginning of April, or from free chlorine to combined chlorine at the beginning of July.

You may notice a chlorine taste and odor in your drinking water while free chlorine is utilized. If you are especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine, try keeping an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator. This will enable the chlorine to dissipate thus reducing the chlorine taste. Remember – drinking water has a shelf life! Change out the water in your refrigerated container weekly.

Please note: If you have an aquarium or pond always test the water you add to your aquatic environment to be sure it is free of any chlorine before adding fish or other animals. Chemical additives with directions for removing either free chlorine or chloramines from water for use in fish tanks or ponds are available at pet/fish supply stores. See our Water Quality FAQ page for additional information.