D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) water quality crews will flush water mains throughout the city from 10 pm to 6:30 am, Sundays through Thursdays, from March 24 until November 2004.

Annually, WASA systematically flushes water mains in the distribution system by sequentially opening fire hydrants and flushing water in a unidirectional manner. Flushing removes sediments that may accumulate in water mains and enhances circulation in the distribution system. Routine maintenance is also performed on the valves and hydrants as they are opened.

The water supply to customers is not shut off while crews flush the water mains and residents are notified prior to the commencement of flushing in their neighborhoods. Flushing will begin the week of March 24th in northwest and northeast in the Tenleytown and Capitol Hill areas. The flushing schedule will also be posted on the WASA website, www.dcwasa.com.

Customers may experience some temporary water discoloration immediately after the flushing procedure. If this happens, residents should open the tap and allow the water to flow slowly until the water flows clear.

"This annual maintenance program is necessary to enhance Washington’s drinking water quality," said Jerry Johnson, WASA general manager. "We’ve scheduled the flushing during the hours when it will be minimally disruptive to the majority of our customers."