Community Corner
Bowie Residents: This is Why Your Water May Turn a Strange Color
Here's what City officials say residents need to know about hydrant flushing, taking place over the next month.
BOWIE, Maryland -- Bowie officials announced, if you notice your home's water appears to be a strange color over the next month, it is no cause for concern.
The City of Bowie Public Works Department announced that it will be performing hydrant flushing in certain neighborhoods beginning next week.
They warned, the flushing may cause some public water to appear discolored, but said it is still perfectly safe to drink and to bathe in.
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"The discoloration is a result of rust and sediment buildup in the water lines and is not harmful," the City said on its website. "The discoloration should clear in approximately 24 hours."
However, they warn people not to do laundry if they spot the discoloration in their water, as it may stain clothing.
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If any clothing does become discolored, officials advise to keep the clothing wet, and then rewash the clothes with a rust remover solution.
Officials said rust remover solution will be available free of charge to residents, available for pickup from City Hall.
The 2017 hydrant flushing program runs from April 3 through May 2. The Public Works Department has published a schedule for hydrant flushing by neighborhood, as seen below.
However, officials point out that if flushing is being performed in a neighborhood adjacent to yours, it may still cause some discoloration in your water.
APRIL 3-4: Buckingham, Derbyshire Sections and Forest Drive
APRIL 5-6: Somerset and Bowie Forest Sections
APRIL 7, 10: Tulip Grove Section including Twin Cedar
APRIL 11-12: Foxhill & Long Ridge Sections
APRIL 13-14, 17: Kenilworth Section
APRIL 18: Heather Hills Section
APRIL 19-21: Meadowbrook Section
APRIL 24: Gradys Walk and Glenridge Sections
APRIL 25: Chapel Forge Section
APRIL 26: Victoria Heights Section and Race Track Road Townhouses
APRIL 27: Idlewild Section
APRIL 28: Yorktown and Overbrook Sections
MAY 1: Whitehall Section
MAY 2: Rockledge Section
For more information or questions about hydrant flushing, contact Missy Marlette by phone at 240-544-5686 or by email.
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