Thursday, April 24, 2008

Waterline flushing to begin around Belvoir

As part of an annual preventive maintenance program, Fort Belvoir’s Directorate of Public Works began flushing water mains starting Wednesday. This coincides with the Fairfax Water Department’s treatment adjustment of chlorine during April, May and June.

During this time, residents on post may notice a stronger presence of chlorine in their drinking water’s taste and smell. However, it’s no reason for alarm, according to Tim Betts, a specialist with SpecPro Environmental Services, LLC, and a contractor to Belvoir’s DPW. 

“It’s not harmful to an individual’s health, pets or plants,” Betts said. “Customers who are sensitive to chlorine may want to keep an open container of tap water in the refrigerator so the chlorine can dissipate prior to consumption.”

During the flushing period, maintenance crews will flush fire hydrants within the water distribution system, Betts said. The flushing allows crews the opportunity to remove any material that may have accumulated on the interior of the water main during the past year.

While flushing may result in the temporary discoloration and presence of sediment in the water flowing from someone’s faucet, those conditions are not harmful and shouldn’t last long, he noted. 

“If either of those conditions should occur, people should let their water flow freely from the faucet until the water runs clear,” Betts said. “Belvoir has been doing this for more than a decade and there have been a few incidents associated with the discoloration of laundry as a result of the flushing. To avoid that from happening, people should avoid washing laundry if their water is temporarily discolored.”

More information is available from the Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the Directorate of Public Works, 703 806-4007.