On Tap: Fairfax Water’s Annual Flush

Each spring, Fairfax Water flushes its water mains by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time.

During this time, the treatment process switches from using combined chlorine to free chlorine.

• From Feb. 20 through May 15, for customers who receive water from Washington Aqueduct (areas in green and red on the map).
• From March 20 through June 12, the remainder of the system will be treated (areas in blue on the map below). 

You may notice a chlorine taste and odor in your drinking water while free chlorine is washing its way through. Flushing also 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 you are especially sensitive to the taste and odor of chlorine, try keeping an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator, but remember – drinking water has a shelf life! Change out the water in your refrigerated container weekly.

You will be able to recognize Fairfax Water employees by a number of identifiers. Employees will be:

• Driving vehicles identified with the Fairfax Water logo.
• Displaying a sign that identifies the employee as part of the Fairfax Water flushing program.
• Wearing uniforms with the same Fairfax Water logo.

If you have questions about this program or the work being conducted in your area, call Fairfax Water (which is a separate authority from Fairfax County Government) any time of the day or night at 703-698-5613, TTY 711.