[Archived] City Prepares for Potential Flooding

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

Feb. 6, 2004
PIO 029-04
For Immediate Release

City of Alexandria is Prepared for Potential Flooding

Due to the melting snow and the heavy rainfall forecast for today, the City of Alexandria workers began yesterday preparing for potential high water in parts of the City. Crews cleaned debris and ice from storm catch basins throughout the City to insure a free flow of water to the drains. Flooding from the Potomac River is not expected today (Friday) but may occur tomorrow and Sunday. The City is monitoring water levels at key points along with the Potomac River as far west as Harpers Ferry, WVA.

In addition, the City is watching the performance of the sanitary sewer systems to determine if there is any potential for sewer backups. During periods of very heavy rain in a short period of time, and significant snow melt, water sometimes leaks into the City’s aging sanitary system causing the sewer to fill up and back up into the sewer laterals.

In addition to the City’s efforts, there are steps residents can take to prevent water damage to their property:

• Minimize water usage over the next 12 hours
• Avoid doing laundry, taking long showers and running the dishwasher
• Check that gutters and down spouts are clear of debris and flowing away from building foundations
• Residents who installed back flow preventers should make sure the preventers are operating properly

For information about sewer backups or flooding issues call 703.838.4488.

###