Why do you flush the water system?
We flush the system to improve the quality of water to our customers by removal of sediment, which accumulate in the water mains over time.
The County website indicates more than one day of flushing, should I refrain from using the water for each date listed?
That’s our recommendation. You may experience discolored water on any of the dates listed, but particularly when we are in your neighborhood. If the system is stirred up when you use water in your home, you could draw the discoloration into your internal plumbing causing discoloration at your faucets, etc. Our recommendations are: try not to use the water at all when we are flushing in your street and limit activities that cause the greatest discoloration concern such as doing laundry on all dates that the system is flushed.
Can I drink the water during the system flush?
Yes. The discoloration of the water is caused by sediment and is not a health concern. Understandably, you may not want to drink discolored water even though it’s not a health risk. That’s why we recommend that you store some water prior to the system flush for drinking and cooking purposes. It’s also okay to use water for showering, etc. Just remember that any water use while the system is stirred up may bring the discoloration into your home plumbing.
I did my laundry during the system flush and now it is stained, what do I do?
We do not recommend doing laundry when the water is discolored. If the clothes in your washer are stained, do not dry them. Rewash the load when the water is clear. Some customers have used iron removal products in their wash to remove staining. Iron stain removal products can be found in the detergent aisle at most grocery stores or you may contact us and we will supply some stain remover to you.
Do I need to check/run my outside faucet each day of the flush?
It doesn’t hurt to check the outside faucet in the morning. If the water is discolored after running the faucet for several minutes, limit indoor water use.
Who do I contact if I have any additional questions?
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Melvin Slough by phone at (804) 501-7540 or by email at [email protected] or Anne Burry by phone at (804) 501-4516 or by email at [email protected].
Who do I contact if I have any concerns after normal business hours?
If you have questions or concerns after 4:30 p.m. please call (804) 501-5025.
