LOUDOUN WATER
www.loudounwater.org 44865 Loudoun Water Way Ashburn, VA 20147
ON TAP NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
PROTECT YOUR PIPES: THANKSGIVING EDITION No one wants to have to call a plumber because of a clogged or backed up pipe. Remember to properly dispose of fats, oils and grease after cooking, especially around the Thanksgiving holiday. Pouring fats, oils and grease down the drain is a recipe for disaster as it sticks to the sides of sewer pipes on your property and in our sewer system. Over time the grease builds up and blocks the pipes, causing costly damage. When there is grease build up in the public sewer system, this can cause blockages, which keep pipes from functioning properly. In extreme cases, this can cause sewer backups into homes and/or streets, which requires costly cleaning and maintenance. Easy tips for keeping fats oils and grease out of your pipes and our sewer system:
HAVE A...
Clog Free Season
1. SCRAPE & WIPE PLATES 2. STRAIN IT, DON’T DRAIN IT 3. FREEZE GREASE & BIN IT Remove the leftovers and grease before they even hit the sink.
Catch the rest before they go down the drain and toss them in the trash.
Pour any grease and oils in an empty can and put it in the trash when it’s solid and cool.
• Scrape food scraps and grease from plates, pots, pans and utensils into the trash can. • Pour leftover fats, oils and grease into an empty jar or can. Once the grease cools and becomes solid, you can throw it into the trash. Myth Buster: The dishwasher only cleans dishes; it does not remove grease. The same goes for garbage disposals. Running hot water down the sink with grease only pushes further down the pipes.
HOME WINTERIZATION 101
KNOW YOUR PLUMBING Faucets - During very cold weather, keep a trickle of water running from faucets connected to pipes in unheated spaces. Outdoor faucets- Disconnect all garden hoses and drain the water that remains in faucets.
55 F
Thermostat - Keep your home temperature set no lower than 55F.
When temperatures drop, homeowners face the expensive risk of having freezing pipes. It’s important to know the location of your main water shut-off valve. This minimizes the potential for water damage by ensuring everyone in the house knows how to shut off the water in an emergency. Every second can count in an emergency, especially when it involves water damage. All homes have an emergency shut-off valve. Shut-off valves are typically located: • In the crawl space or basement, where the water line enters the home.
Shut-off valve - Know the location of your main shut-off valve.
Indoor pipes - Insulate pipes in unheated spaces and keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. Irrigation - Make sure you’ve turned off and fully drained your system. Many companies recommend owners turn off water from inside, drain the water out of the system and release the air pressure.
• In the garage where the water line enters the wall or ceiling, near the water heater or a laundry hookup. • Outside near the foundation, typically protected by a concrete ring or clay pipe. Need an extra reminder? Loudoun Water has a printable label that you can print, cut and attach for easy identification.
BEAVERDAM RESERVOIR RENOVATION PROJECT UPDATE
Loudoun Water will begin the Beaverdam Reservoir Renovation project on November 1, 2016. This project is designed to improve safety and reliability by bringing the dam into compliance with Virginia dam safety regulations for high hazard dams. The project includes phased excavation, diversion of water, construction of a new concrete spillway, embankment improvements, control tower modifications, a new transfer pump station and electrical building, improved drainage systems, instrumentation and controls improvements, and a permanent stream crossing. With construction starting, there will be new rules for public access. Beginning November 1, 2016, Beaverdam Reservoir’s marked trails will be open
for public access from dawn to dusk. During the renovation project, water access will be prohibited. No fishing, boating, paddling or other water activities permitted starting November 1. The park access gate will be closed promptly at dusk. For more information on the renovation project, please visit Loudoun Water’s Current Projects web page. Loudoun Water and NOVA Parks are planning to hold another community input session to share an update on the future vision of Beaverdam Reservoir. Information gathered from last year’s community meeting can be found on www.loudounwater.org. Look for an upcoming notice on the next meeting that will be held before the end of the year!
5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD REGISTER FOR LW CONNECT 1
Online bill pay Avoid the hassle of paper bills, checks, stamps and mailing. Pay online whenever and wherever is most convenient for you!
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Enroll in Auto Debit Auto Debit is one of the most requested features from our customers. Auto debit makes bill paying easy and efficient.
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Monitor your usage Monitoring your usage can help to establish a baseline so you can tell what is normal for your household.
CUSTOMER HANDBOOK AVAILABLE Loudoun Water has developed a newly redesigned Customer Handbook that is available on our website. In it you’ll find information about your water and wastewater service as well as tips for irrigation and saving water.
Save paper with paperless billing No more sifting through paper clutter and shredding bills! LW Connect gives you secure, online access to your statements.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Access to account information 24/7 After an easy, one-time setup, LW Connect will be available for you to access 24/7. Whether you’re a night owl or an early morning riser, all of your information will be available for you!
Friday, November 10 Veterans’ Day – Loudoun Water Closed
Friday, November 25 Loudoun Water Closed
Wednesday, November 10 Loudoun Water Board Meeting
Thursday, December 8 Loudoun Water Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 23 Closing at Noon
Friday, December 23 Loudoun Water Closed
Thursday, November 24 Thanksgiving - Loudoun Water Closed
Monday, December 26 Loudoun Water Closed
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