Annual Water Main Flushing Program Begins April 2

Customers May Notice a More Pronounced Chlorine Taste or Odor In Their Water

Leesburg, VA. – Loudoun County Sanitation Authority (LCSA) customers may notice a slightly stronger chlorine taste and odor beginning April 2 through the end of June while our water suppliers temporarily switch their disinfectant from chloramine (chlorine combined with ammonia) to free chlorine (chlorine in an uncombined state). The resulting increased chlorine taste and odor is normal and poses no health risk. The chlorine smell and taste will disappear if left in an open container, such as a pitcher. The periodic switching of disinfectants is an industry practice to safeguard the drinking water and is timed to coincide with LCSA’s annual water main flushing program. LCSA conducts a controlled flushing of the system once per year to remove sediment and provide routine and preventative maintenance to more than 7,700 fire hydrants in the service area. This process entails opening the hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time.

During flushing, customers may notice a slight discoloration of their water and/or a “milky” or bubbly appearance. These conditions are not harmful and should not last long. Customers can run the faucet for a minute or so until the water turns clear. The milky appearance is due to tiny bubbles of air that got introduced during flushing. They will settle out, too after a few minutes. In the unlikely event that the water remains discolored or cloudy after flushing the tap or waiting a few minutes, call Customer Service at 703-771-1092.

LCSA is unable to advise customers of the exact date the water mains serving their street will be flushed, however, the general neighborhood we’re working in each week will be posted at our home page, www.lcsa.org. 

                                                                     

CONTACT
Samantha Villegas, APR
Manager of Communications
Phone 703-771-1095

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