Photo courtesy of Bloomington Township Public Water District
Annual Flushing of water mains from March 24 to May 5, 2025
Each spring, the American Water and Fairfax Water temporarily change the primary disinfectant in their water treatment process from chloramines to free chlorine. This temporary change requires an effective flushing program for the distribution system and is a drinking water industry best practice to deliver the best quality water possible.
The flushing process forcefully draws the chlorinated water through the distribution system, washing out sediment and minerals that may have collected in the water mains.
During the system flushing period, customers might notice personnel and trucks performing hydrant flushing activities in their neighborhoods. Afterward, they may notice a slight chlorine smell in their tap water. Customers can refrigerate tap water or use water filters to reduce the chlorine odor. For brief periods of water cloudiness, the authority recommends running the cold water tap for about two minutes to clear the line.
For more information, please contact American Water at 571-339-8087 or 571-499-3862.
Paul Lara, Fort Belvoir Public Affairs