LOUDOUN WATER
ON TAP
www.loudounwater.org 44865 Loudoun Water Way Ashburn, VA 20147
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH September is recognized as National Preparedness Month (NPM), which serves as a reminder, that we must all take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and where we visit. Due to the success of last year’s theme for 2016, “Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today,” will be returning for this September. At Loudoun Water, we like to encourage residents to take waterrelated preparations in the event of a weather emergency. Water is an essential element to survival and a necessary item in an emergency supplies kit. For more information continue reading on page three.
IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD Take a short drive around Loudoun County and you’ll most likely see a few infrastructure projects or other construction along the roadway. As the county expands so does the need for new roads, water pipes and other utilities. That’s why we’ve put together a section on our website that highlights all of the current Loudoun Water projects in our service area. Our Engineering division updates project fact sheets every month to provide revised timelines, additional project details and more. Additionally, we have a Current Projects map that allows users to see where each project is located throughout our service area. Visit our website to learn more about the work being done in and around the area!
WE NEED YOUR INPUT! A lot has changed at Loudoun Water from the time when we first opened our interactive exhibit, The Aquiary, in 2008. Loudoun Water is currently working with a multi-disciplinary firm to incorporate new information and ideas into our exhibit. Everyone from scouting groups, homeschoolers and area schools have come out to learn more about water, the water treatment process and our watersheds. We invite you to share your thoughts with us about what you would like to see included in our redesigned exhibit!
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FALL IS FOR PLANTING Mid-Atlantic gardening often produces interesting challenges due to early springs and late winters. As most gardeners know, fall can be a great time of year to plant springblooming plants and flowers. Planting in the fall means the temperatures will not be as warm, which enhances root development. Fall planting and seeding often requires less water than vegetation planted in the hot months of summer. If you haven’t started thinking about what you would like your landscape to look like next spring, now is a good time to visit your local nursery to get some good ideas!
FALL PLANTING, SPRING BLOOMING
LILIES
HOSTAS
PEONIES
FERNS
BULBS
BE PREPARED How much water do I need?
You should store at least one gallon of water per person for three days. A normally active person needs about three quarters of a gallon of fluid daily, from water and other beverages. However, individual needs vary, depending on age, health, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. To determine your water needs, take the following into account: One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation. Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.
If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary. In very hot temperatures, water needs can double. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.
How Should I Store Water?
It is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water, in order to prepare the safest and most reliable emergency water supply. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open until you need to use it. Observe the expiration or “use by� date. Store in cool, dark place.
Preparing Your Own Containers for Water Storage It is recommended you purchase food grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. If you chose to use your own storage containers, choose twoliter plastic soft drink bottles – not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy.
EBILLING AND AUTO DEBIT MADE EASY Have you registered for LW Connect? With LW Connect you can view your bill online, enroll in auto-debit, sign up for eBilling, see your payment history and more! Go to www.loudounwater.org and click on the LW Connect logo to get started.
EMERGENCY PREP 101: EMERGENCY SHUTTING OFF TURNING OFF YOUR PREP 101: HOME’S WATER SUPPLY
MAIN WATER SUPPLY
The best time to know about your home’s water supply is prior to an emergency happening. Turning off your home’s water supply using the emergency shut-off valve is so simple that everyone in a household should know how to identify and completely shut it off. Where to look: In the crawl space or basement, where the water line enters the home.
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In the garage where the water line enters the wall or ceiling, near the water heater or laundry hookup. Outside near the foundation, typically protected by a concrete ring or clay pipe.
TEACHERS IN INDUSTRY Through the Teachers in Industry Project, run by George Washington University, five middle and high school teachers were able to spend four days visiting Loudoun Water in July. While the teachers were here, they learned all about drinking water and the water treatment process.
Loudoun Water takes the security of our facilities and assets very seriously. As one of the 16 designated critical infrastructure sectors (designated by DHS), our staff members are asked to remain vigilant on and off duty and have been trained to work with local law enforcement in the event of an emergency. If you, as a customer, see suspicious behavior at or near our facilities, Loudoun Water urges you to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office by calling 703-777-1021.
UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, September 5 Labor Day - Loudoun Water Closed
Saturday, October 8 Sterlingfest
Thursday, September 8 Loudoun Water Board Meeting
Monday, October 10 Columbus Day – Loudoun Water Closed
Saturday, September 24 South Riding Fall Fest
Thursday, October 13 Loudoun Water Board Meeting
Saturday, September 24 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event At Harmony Park and Ride
Saturday, October 15 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event At Leesburg Park and Ride