Flushing Program
Stafford County Utilities Department routinely conducts Flushing throughout Stafford County each year.
The hydrant flushing program is very important to the maintenance of the County's water distribution system. Flushing allows Stafford County to continue to deliver the highest-quality water possible to our customers and ensures adequate water flow is available to firefighters, residents and businesses. The flushing process is a controlled procedure that draws water more forcefully through the distribution system removing the sediment, rust, debris or stagnant water that naturally accumulates in the water mains.
2024 Water Main Flushing Program
Improves water quality in the distribution system, and ensures a high level of disinfection in the County water mains.
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- Verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves
- Helps find weaknesses in the water system
- Checks for closed valves and weak flows in the water mains
- Verifies adequate fire flows for fire fighting
Crews will work each day, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Flushing FAQs
- If possible, limit your water use
- Wait until flushing has subsided in your area then run the cold water tap until the water runs clear
- If you have a water softener and are experiencing discolored water, place the unit into regeneration or cleaning mode after hydrant flushing is completed in your area
- Remember rust colored water is safe, but it may stain laundry. If this happens, keep clothes wet and treat them with stain remover
- Check the faucet screens for trapped particles.
Stafford’s water distribution system is a complex network of pipes and storage reservoirs where sediment or deposits may naturally accumulate over time. If not removed, these materials may cause water quality deterioration, taste and odor problems, or discoloration of the water. Water may also stagnate in lesser-used parts of the distribution system, resulting in degraded water quality.
Normally, flushing takes place for approximately a few weeks in the fall and early spring during a time of generally lower water demand.
If you see Public Works personnel flushing hydrants, PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY and watch for workers in or near the roadway. In addition, the roads will be wet and the water may pond in low-lying areas for a short period. Inside your home, avoid turning on any faucets or fixtures while crews are flushing nearby hydrants as doing so may draw discolored water into your home. In particular, avoid washing clothes during the flushing operation. Discolored water may be drawn into the washer and potentially stain clothing.
During the actual flushing process, water customers may experience some disturbance in their usual water service such as a short-term decrease in water pressure or discolored water. Although the water does not pose a health risk, it is recommended to avoid drinking the water until it runs clear from the tap.
- Do not prepare baby food or formula if the water is discolored. Use bottled water or pre-prepared food and formula. You can also boil the water for 5 minutes to ensure safety.
- Do not wash clothes if the water is discolored.
- It is okay to use the water for showering, bathing, and toilet flushing.
Check your faucet and washer screens for trapped debris.
When a hydrant is opened, there will always be temporary incidences of discolored water containing fine sediment particles making the water appear brown or rust-colored. In addition, fine air bubbles may be introduced into the water giving it a milky appearance. There is no health hazard associated with discolored water. Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate. To verify the water has settled, allow your cold water tap to run a few minutes. If the discoloration persists for more than six hours, please contact Stafford Public Works at (540) 658-8695.
We recommend water users wait until the water has cleared before using it for potable purposes or for washing clothes.
During the flushing process, a water distribution operator opens each hydrant to its maximum flow. This high flow stirs up deposits and settlements and removes them from the system. The operator also records the pressure, condition of the hydrant and valves and flow of water at each hydrant. Any deficiencies in the hydrant are noted and placed on a schedule for repair. The flow and pressure data is shared with the local fire department.
While it may appear wasteful, flushing is the most effective way to keep our drinking water safe, clean and pleasant tasting. Crews conducting the flushing keep careful records of the amount of water that is flushed through the lines. Therefore, this water is accounted for and tracked along with other uses of water.
Visit Stafford Public Works page on Stafford County’s website at flushing. Please remember this schedule is a planning tool and may be off by one or two days due to field conditions. Also be aware of “hydrant flushing area” signs. Generally, crews will place these roadway signs in the area to be flushed the day before maintenance. We will also inform HOAs of our planned dates and install message boards at the major entrances to your area.
You may contact our main office at (540) 658-8616 during normal business hours and you will be transferred to someone in our Water Quality Division.
Free Chlorine Flushing FAQs
Free chlorine is a disinfectant that is used on a temporary basis to remove any residual bacteria and viruses that may be in the water distribution system. Free chlorine is the use of chlorine- only, which is a stronger disinfectant that chloramines which is a combined chlorine.
In order to disinfect and kill germs and other contaminates, Stafford County adds chloramines to the water throughout the year. Every few years, Stafford switches to “free chlorine” to do a deep cleaning of all water mains throughout the drinking water distribution system to assure there is no bacterial growth once the water has left the treatment plant.
Yes, free chlorine is safe and effective. Stafford County’s water quality has met or surpassed every state and federal requirement that safeguards public health. Stafford County monitors water quality regularly to provide residents with safe drinking water. Click here to view the latest Water Quality Report.
Some people are more sensitive than others to chemicals. Individuals who have health concerns should seek medical advice from their healthcare providers.
Some people are more sensitive than others to chemicals. Individuals who have health concerns should seek medical advice from their healthcare providers.
The length of this temporary process of “free chlorine conversion” will be approximately 30 days. Crews will continue the system-wide flush for an additional 30 days after the “free chlorine conversion” ends. In 2021 - The free chlorine conversion will take place from March 15 - April 16, 2021.
Some people may notice a slight change in the taste or odor of their water during the flushing period.
When a hydrant is opened, there will always be temporary incidences of discolored water containing fine sediment particles making the water appear brown or rust-colored. In addition, fine air bubbles may be introduced into the water giving it a milky appearance. There is no health hazard associated with discolored water. Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate. To verify the water has settled, allow your cold water tap to run a few minutes. If the discoloration persists for more than six hours, please contact Stafford’s Department of Public Works at (540) 658-8695.