Annual Water Main Flushing Program Begins April 5

Ashburn, VA. – Loudoun Water customers may notice a slightly stronger chlorine taste and odor beginning April 5 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 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 pitcher.

The periodic switching of disinfectants is an industry practice to safeguard the drinking water and is timed to coincide with Loudoun Water’s annual water main flushing program. Loudoun Water conducts a controlled flushing of the system to remove sediment, and provide routine and preventative maintenance to more than 9,300 fire hydrants in the service area. This process entails opening the hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. Loudoun Water crews will only flush water mains during the daytime.

Customers may notice slight discoloration of their water and/or a “milky” or bubbly appearance. These conditions are not harmful and should not last long. You may run the faucet until the water turns clear and the bubbles will settle after a few minutes. In the unlikely event that your water remains discolored or cloudy after flushing or waiting a few minutes, please contact Customer Service at 571.291.7880.

We are unable to advise customers of the exact date the water mains serving their street will be flushed, however, we will post which general neighborhood we’re working in at the home page of our website, www.loudounwater.org. We regret any inconvenience the flushing operation may cause.

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