Stafford County Utilities will begin its annual system-wide water main flush on March 16, 2026, continuing through the end of May. The process is part of the county’s ongoing work to maintain high-quality water for residents.
The maintenance involves a method called “free chlorination,” where the county temporarily uses free chlorine instead of combined chlorines in its distribution system. This approach helps remove bacteria inside the pipes and prevents bacteria from developing resistance to regular disinfection methods.
According to Stafford County officials, “The free chlorination process does not adversely affect the water quality, but some people may notice a slight change in the taste and smell of their tap water. The chlorine will naturally dissipate if you store water in an open pitcher in your refrigerator. Out of an abundance of caution, this flushing process may affect owners/operators of fish tanks, laundromats and other water-dependent operations.”
During this period, residents may see fire hydrants open as crews conduct flushing activities in neighborhoods. Flushing hydrants draws chlorine through the system and helps wash out any sediments or minerals that have collected in the mains.
Stafford County maintains over 700 miles of water mains as part of its distribution network. For more information about the flushing program, residents can visit www.staffordcountyva.gov/flushing.
In related community news, Stafford County Public Schools District enrolled 31,700 students during the 2023-24 school year—a 1.7% increase from the previous year’s total—and Brooke Point High School had the highest enrollment among local schools with 2,242 students (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). White students represented nearly 39% of district enrollment during that period; Hispanic students made up just under a quarter (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home).
Rising Star Early Childhood Education Center at Melchers welcomed more than half of all pre-kindergarten students in Stafford County last year (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home), while Rocky Run Elementary School had the largest kindergarten class among county schools (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home).
