Bowie's Water May Discolor For 24 Hours, But Don't Worry

BOWIE, MD — Bowie's Public Works Department is preparing for its semiannual flush of the city's fire hydrants. This routine process may temporarily discolor water when the project reaches your neighborhood, but don't worry, the water is completely safe.

The discoloration comes from rust and sediment that is built up in the water lines. This routine flushing prevents those substances from damaging the pipes or water supply in the future.

The city says discoloration may last for about 24 hours. Residents can safely drink the water and bathe in it, even if it is murky.

Bowie advises against doing laundry while public works flushes your section, as the discoloration could stain your clothes. If your clothes becomes discolored, keep them wet and rewash them with rust remover, which will be available for free pickup at city hall and the Public Works Department.

A schedule of the project is posted below. Crews will work between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the listed days. Because the water mains are all connected, your water may also be affected when neighboring communities are flushed.

• Sept. 28 and 29
  • Buckingham, Derbyshire Sections and Forest Drive
• Sept. 30 and Oct. 1
  • Somerset and Bowie Forest Sections
• Oct. 1 and 2
  • Tulip Grove Section including Twin Cedar
• Oct. 5 and 6
  • Foxhill and Long Ridge Sections
• OCT 7, 8 and 9
  • Kenilworth Section
• OCT 12
  • Heather Hills Section
• Oct. 13, 14 and 15
  • Meadowbrook Section
• Oct. 16
  • Gradys Walk and Glenridge Sections
• Oct. 19
  • Chapel Forge Section
• Oct. 20
  • Victoria Heights Section and Race Track Rd Townhouses
• Oct. 21
  • Idlewild Section
• Oct. 22
  • Yorktown and Overbrook Sections
• Oct. 23
  • Whitehall Section
• Oct. 26
  • Rockledge Section

More information is available at this link. Anybody with questions should call Ashley Mullikin at (301) 809-2344 or email her at amullikin@cityofbowie.org.

The spring hydrant flushing usually begins in late March. The city explains that process in the video below.

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