Dale City water system to be flushed for about 30 days beginning April 6

Virginia American Water said March 30 that hydrant flushing is scheduled to begin in its Prince William system from Monday, April 6, through early May.

The routine work is being done as part of the company’s annual pipeline flushing program to improve water service by flushing out mineral deposits and sediment from water mains.

The flushing will be performed Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. During the flushing work, crews will open the fire hydrants and allow them to flow freely for a short period of time.

The annual flushing program is being performed in conjunction with a routine change in the form of chlorine used to disinfect the water from Fairfax Water, Virginia American Water’s bulk water supplier. Fairfax Water implements this change from late March through mid-June.

Because of this treatment process change, customers might notice a slight chlorine taste and odor in their drinking water. Customers who are especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine should keep an open container of drinking water in their refrigerators.  This will enable the chlorine to dissipate, reducing the chlorine taste.

No interruptions in water service will occur as a result of the work. Virginia American Water advises that when crews are flushing nearby, customers might experience a drop in water pressure or some discoloration of their water.

If water is discolored, customers should let the cold water run to clear before using it again and refrain from doing laundry during that time.

Before doing laundry, check for discolored water. If you have already started the laundry and clothes become stained, do not let the clothes dry. Instead, wash them again in clear water using a rust remover, which you can purchase at grocery stores. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If problems persist or customers have questions, call Virginia American Water’s toll-free, 24-hour customer service line at 800-452-6863.

Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to more than 339,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 45 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting http://www.amwater.com.