PURCELLVILLE, Va., September 11, 2018 – With the upcoming potential for flooding, town officials are requesting that citizens please refrain from nonessential water use. This will help to ensure that the Town of Purcellville Wastewater Treatment Facility remains able to safely and effectively treat wastewater, reducing the risks for potential backups in collection lines and homes. During high rainfall events, wastewater line high flows often continue for several days afterwards due to groundwater infiltration in the piping. Ways that citizens can help limit their home’s wastewater include:
Wash dishes by hand -- don’t leave the faucet running while doing dishes, and use the spray nozzle for quick rinsing
Limit the use of the garbage disposal -- brush off excess food into the trash instead of rinsing it into the disposal
Try to limit defrosting food in water
Take 5 minute showers or less instead of taking a bath -- if you must take a bath, only fill it up ⅓ of the way full
While waiting for the shower to warm up, collect the excess water in a bucket to use to fill toilets should you lose power
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and shaving
Try to limit laundry until a few days after the storm -- if you must do laundry, wash only full loads
Fix leaks, especially leaky toilets
Limit toilet flushing -- “If it’s yellow let it mellow. If it’s brown flush it down.”
Keep drinking water chilled in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it’s cold
