Manassas Officials Say Water Is Safe After Plant Reports 2,500 Gallon Chemical Spill

MANASSAS, VA – Approximately 2,500 gallons of sodium hypochlorite leaked from a truck hose at the City of Manassas Water Treatment Plant early on Thursday, the city announced.

Sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in household bleach and is commonly used in water treatment.

According to the city, staff quickly enacted emergency procedures, and none of the leaked chemicals reached Manassas or Prince William County waterways. The city says the spill was fully contained on the site of the water treatment plant, located between Glenkirk and Rollins Ford Roads. A licensed contractor will be required to remove the chemicals.

The city says water quality remains safe and that the plant is operating normally, but residents near it might notice a smell of chlorine.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency have been notified and will review the incident, Manassas city officials said.