Get ready for a hint of chlorine in your tap water beginning next week.
Starting this coming Monday, March 25, and continuing until May 6, the Washington Aqueduct, the main water source for Arlington, D.C., and parts of Fairfax County, will temporarily change its disinfectant from chloramine to chlorine.
This routine switch is part of the water treatment process and will give Arlington’s tap water a noticeable taste and smell somewhat reminiscent of a swimming pool.
The water is safe to drink, despite the different taste, officials say.
More from an Arlington County press release. below.
Arlington County, the District of Columbia, and northeastern Fairfax will adjust their water treatment process starting Monday, March 25, as part of an annual practice that lasts through May 6, 2024. During this time, the year-round disinfectant chloramine will be temporarily swapped to chlorine to ensure water mains remain clean and clear of any flow issues.
Service will continue uninterrupted during the procedure, though customers may notice a slight change in taste or odor when getting water from the tap. This is normal and the water is still safe to drink thanks to the purification process. County staff will continually monitor chlorine levels to ensure water quality meets required standards.
Arlington and surrounding jurisdictions receive water from the Washington Aqueduct, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Aqueduct initiates the annual disinfectant switchover typically in the spring to clean water pipes in its system as a standard water treatment practice. Arlington’s water distribution network is made up of some 500 miles of pipes linked to homes, businesses and schools.
Concurrent with the disinfection switch, Arlington will conduct a system-wide flushing to enhance year-round water quality. Residents may see open fire hydrants as part of the routine.
Here is what to expect between March 25 and May 6:
- Customers who experience a chlorine smell or taste from the tap can run the cold-water line for 5-10 minutes until water runs clear; employ a filter system; or let the water sit in a container for an hour or two as the chlorine smell and taste dissipate.
- Customers who take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water during the rest of the year should continue such methods during the temporary switch to chlorine. As always, those with special concerns should consult their health care provider.
- There is a possibility that discolored water generated from the process of flushing fire hydrants may stain clothes being washed in nearby homes. Flushing will take place between 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. We encourage residents to plan ahead if they are doing laundry during this time period.
The County can provide a special detergent to remove stains upon request. Call 703-228-5000 for more details.
Arlington’s drinking water continues to meet or exceed all safety standards established by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and Virginia Department of Health.
For more information on Arlington’s water system, visit the County website or call 703-228-5000, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also reach the 24-hour line at 703-228-6555.