An Act Of Hospitality: PWCSA A Good Neighbor To Sentara Hospital

The Prince William County Service Authority worked with Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center on Opitz Boulevard during the week of Thanksgiving to repair a water main break and provide water to the facility’s emergency room.

On the morning of Nov. 21, employees of the hospital contacted the Service Authority after discovering a break in an 8-inch cast iron water pipe feeding the building. The break occurred just inches from the building’s foundation.

A Service Authority field crew spearheaded by Team Leader Joel Kressler made the repair under reduced pressure. While the clamp was being placed on the affected pipe, Utility Mechanics, Chris Mcnealkidd and Cody Dent, hooked up the utility’s water tanker truck to supply approximately 5,000 gallons of water to the hospital’s emergency room. While the hospital had mobilized hand washing stations, water barrels and drinking water in advance of the repair, the Service Authority wanted to ensure uninterrupted service to the facility.

“The team’s timely, professional and efficient actions helped us maintain services with minimal interruptions to our guests,” said Susan Bahorich, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Spokesperson. “The Service Authority’s assistance was greatly appreciated by all of our team members, patients and visitors. You truly helped our community and are great partners in living the mission to improve health every day!”

On Dec. 21, representatives from the hospital presented each of the nine Service Authority employees involved in the repair a certificate of appreciation for a job well done.

“My staff at Neabsco was thrilled to be honored in such a fashion,” said Dale Arrington, who supervises the utility’s East End Collections & Distribution Department. “They take great pride in their work each and every day and were more than happy to assist one of our valued customers in their time of need.”