Water System Maintenance

Water system maintenance programs help ensure that the distribution system continues to operate effectively and efficiently, and can extend the years of valuable infrastructure. Among these programs:

• Water main cleaning and relining.
• Annual water main flushing through disinfectant switch.
• Distribution valve and large valve maintenance.
• Fire hydrant maintenance and painting.

Water Main Cleaning and Relining

Water main cleaning and cement lining are part of a program to rejuvenate aging distribution pipes that typically have been in service at least 60 years. The work involves a trenchless pipe rehabilitation method called “Mechanical Cleaning and Cement-Mortar Lining of Water Pipelines,” which allows the rehabilitation of pipelines at a fraction of the cost and clamor of new construction. What to expect:

• The work will take approximately three months, but this can vary with the amount of pipe being rehabilitated.

• The project will involve installation of temporary water lines to service the neighborhood during the cleaning-lining period. Notification of the service changeover date will be delivered to homes several days in advance.

• As part of the switch, water meters will be temporarily removed from service; as a result, service from the temporary line will be free and not recorded for billing.

• Customers will continue to receive a quarterly water-sewer-refuse utility bill; accounts will reflect water used before and after the temporary line period. 

• Residents will be notified prior to restoration of the permanent water service line.

• Residents may experience some inconveniences such as dust, mud, noise, debris, service lines crossing at intersections and driveways, brief periods of low and no water pressure, and some temporary traffic and parking restrictions.

Annual Water Main "Spring Cleaning"

In an industry-standard safe annual process, Arlington County, along with the District of Columbia and northeastern Fairfax County, cleans its tap water network in late winter/spring. All three jurisdictions are supplied by the Washington Aqueduct, which is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Aqueduct temporarily switches its system disinfectant from chloramine to chlorine to help clean pipes and maintain system flow down the line. Purification systems and constant monitoring ensure that the water is essentially safe and unchanged.

During the process, service is maintained while drinking water from the tap may taste slightly different. The Aqueduct adds a corrosion inhibitor to reduce the potential release of lead in regional system pipes. In addition to monitoring for safe chlorine levels, local water authorities including Arlington conduct system-wide flushing to enhance water quality. Residents may see open fire hydrants as part of the routine. What to expect: 

• Temporary cleaning can bring with it a slightly noticeable chlorine smell and taste to tap water. In response, customers can run the cold water tap for about two minutes before using, employ a filter system or let the water sit in a container for an hour or two to allow the chlorine smell and taste to dissipate.
• Customers who take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water during the rest of the year should continue such methods during the temporary switch to chlorine. As always, those with special concerns should consult their health care provider.

The region's drinking water continues to meet or exceed all safety standards established by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and Virginia Department of Health.

Current Projects

View ongoing water distribution maintenance projects.