Every spring, Loudoun Water joins utilities across the country in beginning the annual hydrant flushing process. This essential maintenance helps clean our water distribution systems and ensures we maintain the highest standards of water quality for our community.
Flushing in the Loudoun Water service area will begin the week of March 23rd and is expected to continue for approximately 12 to 15 weeks.
Why We Flush
At each stop, a Loudoun Water crew member will open a hydrant to flush water mains and take samples to measure water quality. This process offers several key benefits:
- Clearing sediment from the water lines.
- Allowing crews to monitor the system's health.
- Ensuring high standards of water quality.
Identifying Our Crews
For the safety of our employees and residents, please do not approach crews while they are working. You can recognize Loudoun Water employees by the following:
Vehicles: Marked with the Loudoun Water logo.
Uniforms: Featuring the Loudoun Water logo.
A flushing map is available online to see where our crews will be working each week. Please note that flushing will have no effect on your water usage, though you may notice slight pressure fluctuations when crews are on your street.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s that taste?
During Spring flushing, some customers may notice a more pronounced chlorine taste or odor in the water. In a slight change to the treatment process, Loudoun Water switches from chloramines to free chlorine during each spring. Fairfax Water (our wholesale water provider) also temporarily switches from chloramines to free chlorine during each spring. Free chlorine serves as an aggressive disinfectant that aids in the disinfection of the flushed water mains. Filling a pitcher with water and placing it in the refrigerator will help to alleviate the chlorine taste. After springtime flushing is complete, Loudoun Water will switch the disinfectant back to chloramines. This is standard practice for many water utility systems throughout the United States.
Why does water have a 'milky' or 'bubbly' appearance during flushing?
This is simply a result of the oxygen in the water being stirred up during flushing causing visible air bubbles. Letting the water sit in a glass for a few seconds will take care of the air bubbles! With this phenomenon, you will see the bubbles clear from bottom to top.
Why is my water discolored?
Flushing may result in temporary discoloration and the presence of sediment in your water. These conditions are not harmful and should be of very short duration. If noticed, avoid doing laundry during this time (while crews are on your street) to avoid discoloration. If water remains discolored or cloudy for an extended timeframe contact Loudoun Water Customer Relations at 571-291-7880.
Will my water pressure be affected?
Some customers may notice a slight pressure fluctuation when our crews are working on their street. Pressures will return to normal once the flushing has finished.
Are my fish safe during the disinfectant switch?
You will need to treat tap water before using it in a fish aquarium. Disinfectants can harm fish. Check with a local pet store to learn what types of chemicals you need to add to the tank to neutralize the effects of the disinfectant.
Why isn't the water captured or reused?
There are a lot of variables that make the process of capturing, collecting and transporting the water difficult. The amount of pressure released when hydrants are flushed makes it very difficult to recapture.
Who pays for this water?
The cost of hydrant flushing is built into the normal cost of operations.