A busy road is closed, multiple schools have closed, and a boil water advisory is in effect after a large water main break.
The break happened in a 16-inch water main early Friday morning — before 6 a.m. — near the intersection of S. Walter Reed Drive and S. Randolph Street, sending a large amount of water down the hill to S. Four Mile Run Drive.
Residents across a large swath of the 22204 and 22206 zip codes — around Columbia Pike and Shirlington — reported a loss of water pressure. Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) says that hundreds of homes and businesses were affected.
Walter Reed Drive was blocked for most of the day as crews worked to repair the water transmission line. The northbound lanes of Walter Reed are expected to remain closed between Four Mile Run Drive and Randolph Street through Monday afternoon, DES said.
After initially announcing two-hour delays, Arlington Public Schools said later Friday morning that numerous schools are closed or dismissing early due to the water main break.
Among the closed schools are Abingdon, Arlington Career Center, Barcroft, Claremont, Fleet, Hoffman-Boston, Montessori Public School of Arlington, Randolph, and Wakefield High Schools.
🚨 Update: Jefferson Middle School, Long Branch, Oakridge and Drew elementary schools will dismiss early due to the boil water advisory associated with the water main break. Dismissal details have been shared with families through email. https://t.co/9MPB4f9fhV
— Arlington Public Schools (@APSVirginia) June 7, 2024
Several community centers are also closed, as is the Drew sprayground, the Arlington Dept. of Parks and recreation said shortly before noon.
in addition:
– TJ Community Center is closed.
– Drew & Carver Community Centers will be closed from 6-9 p.m. today.
– Drew sprayground is closed.
— ARL VA Parks & Rec (@arlparksrec) June 7, 2024
Arlington County issued a boil water advisory around 10 a.m. for a number of neighborhoods in south Arlington. As of 2:15 p.m., only some 50 homes were still without water service, according to DES.
About 50 homes may still be impacted. We are working to restore water service as quickly as possible. If you have questions, call the Water and Sewer Control Center at 703-228-5000.
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) June 7, 2024
More, below, from a county press release.
As a precaution, Arlington County has issued a Boil Water Advisory for customers in portions of Alcova Heights, Arlington Heights, Arlington Mill, Arlington View, Barcroft, Claremont, Columbia Forest, Columbia Heights, Douglas Park, Forest Glen, Foxcroft Heights, Green Valley, Fairlington, Penrose and Shirlington. These customers may be impacted by a 16-inch water main break at South Walter Reed Drive and South Four Mile Run Drive on June 7, 2024, which caused pressure drops in several locations across the County. The advisory is a safety measure due to the depressurization in the water system.
View searchable map for impacted areas.
If you live in the affected area, you should bring your water to a rolling boil for one minute then cool before:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Preparing baby food and formula
- Making ice
- Giving to pets
For additional questions on boil water advisories, visit the Virginia Department of Health.
It is safe to use this water for showering and washing clothes. Some discoloration in the water is normal and may be present. If you experience water discoloration, run the cold water tap for a few minutes to clear the pipes. Use of hot water may draw discolored water into your hot water heater, prolonging a potential disruption.
Information will be shared when the advisory has been lifted. This advisory will be in effect for a minimum of 48-hours per Virginia Department of Health requirements. Check the County website for updates.
The County places public health and safety as its highest priority and thanks those affected for their continued patience.
