UPDATE June 10 at 4:45 p.m. King George Service Authority (KGSA) elicited its maintenance crews and water/wastewater contractor, Inboden, to implement the following:
- A special bacteriological sample was collected for testing on Monday, June 9, to ensure water safety. The test assesses the microbial quality of water by analyzing samples to identify and quantify the presence of bacteria, particularly those that could cause illness such as E.coli and coliform. Samples take up to 24 hours to process and up to 7-10 days to receive results. Crews worked with the lab to receive the results earlier than typical. The results were received at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, and showed no presence of E.coli or coliform in the system. View the results here.
- The system will continue to be regularly flushed to remove sediment or contaminants and has already been flushed on June 9 and 10, June 4, 5 and 6 and May 27 and 28. Crews are pausing flushing for the next couple of days to monitor remaining turbidity levels in the system.
- Crews are cleaning the drilling hole on Thursday, June 12, and the well pump will be turned off temporarily between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to avoid additional sediment from entering the system. Please refrain from using unnecessary water during this time. Construction on the new well is nearing completion. No additional drilling is anticipated, so sediment should begin to settle again in the groundwater source area soon.
- Crews will continue to monitor turbidity levels to confirm that the water returns to its normal clarity. The authority has been in contact with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and has confirmed the steps that are being taken are appropriate for this scenario. There is no indication that the water is not safe to drink, bathe, cook or generally use. Over use of the system can cause the discoloration of the water to worsen. It is recommended to limit use to only necessary activities. There is nothing to indicate long term affects to water heaters, but once water returns to normal clarity, it may be beneficial to conduct regular yearly maintenance on water heaters to flush out any excess sediment.
Customers will be notified when water distribution resumes normal clarity. This notice will continue to be updated here and will also be shared via KG Alert. Please make sure you are signed up here. If you are an existing subscriber of KG Alert, please make sure your notification preferences are updated. Specifically, for this notification, customers should select the "Service Authority Customers" dropdown, then the "Send me alerts about KGSA system" dropdown, and click "Courthouse System."
Crews are working to remedy this situation as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. KGSA is committed to providing the highest water quality for customers. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact 540-775-2746.
ORIGINAL June 9 at 9:30 a.m. King George Service Authority (KGSA) has recently been made aware of reports that the Cleydael area of the Courthouse system is experiencing discolored water.
The discolored water customers are experiencing is likely a result of KGSA contractors recently drilling and developing a new production well near an existing well within the same groundwater source area, causing temporary changes in water appearance due to sediment disturbance from aquifer agitation and/or pressure changes. The purpose of the new well is to meet requirements set by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The work is being performed in accordance with all permitting, construction, and waterworks operation standards with oversight by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
KGSA maintenance crews have been flushing the system that serves Cleydael to remove sediment from distribution to provide optimal water quality. During flushing, sediments may be temporarily disturbed, resulting in cloudy or discolored water until the procedure is complete. If you are experiencing discoloration, it is recommended to run cold water from the lowest point in your home, such as a utility sink in your basement, for approximately 10-15 minutes.
Recent testing from KGSA water contractor, Inboden, confirms chlorine residuals remain stable and are in compliant range, measuring at 0.60 mg/L. There are no indications of a risk to public health. KGSA continues to monitor the situation closely with additional laboratory testing to be conducted to monitor turbidity and other water quality parameters.
Thank you for your patience as crews work to improve system performance. If discoloration continues, please contact the authority at 540-775-2746.