Annual Flushing - 2002
Water Quality Improvement Program

WASA is committed to continuously supply the residences and businesses throughout District of Columbia (DC) with drinking water, which meets and surpasses regulatory requirements. Water samples are taken and analyzed daily to ensure compliance with safe drinking water regulations.

To enhance the drinking water quality annually each spring through fall, WASA conducts an aggressive flushing program to systematically 'flush' water mains in the distribution system. The water is released by sequentially opening the District's 8,700 fire hydrants and flushing water in a unidirectional manner. Flushing water through the pipes at high velocities removes potential buildup in pipes. Routine maintenance is also performed on the valves and hydrants as they are opened.

This year the program begins on March 10, 2002 and will continue through November 2002, Sunday through Thursday, between the hours 10:00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m. WASA water quality crews will be working in your neighborhoods at different intervals throughout the program period.

See link/s below for the flushing schedule.

You Need to Know That...

Flushing is performed between 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. when water usage is low and people are not inconvenienced due to low pressure.

The water supply to customers is not cut off during flushing.

Residents may notice some water discoloration in the early morning hours if WASA has been flushing mains in your neighborhood. Just let the cold water tap run for a few minutes until the water runs clear.

If you are running water when we are flushing you could get some discolored water. If this happens, you should not run your hot water or do any laundry. Turn on and run your cold water until it clears, then flush your hot water tank by opening the valve at the bottom of the tank. If you are doing laundry, do not dry these clothes washing the items again will usually take care of this problem.

If you have any questions, please call our Water Quality Office at (202) 612-3440 between 8a.m - 4p.m. If you have an emergency, please call WASA's 24-hour hotline: (202) 612-3400.