Tap water in Arlington may have a distinct taste and smell of chlorine for a while as an annual cleaning of the county’s pipe network begins next week.
Starting Monday, Arlington will swap out its year-round disinfectant, chloramine, for chlorine — resulting in “a slight change in taste or scent when using the tap.”
“These can be minimized by using a tap filter system or letting the water sit in an open container for an hour or two in the refrigerator, which will allow the chlorine smell and taste to dissipate,” the county advised in a press release.
The change is intended to clean water mains and relieve any flow issues.
It will last from March 23 through May 4 in most parts of the county. In pipes located in the Willston Pressure Zone, which Fairfax Water services, the switch will last through May 26.
Residents should also expect to see some open fire hydrants as the county conducts a system-wide flushing to improve water quality. This can generate discolored water, which can stain clothes that are in the wash at the same time.
Flushing will happen from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are advised to plan ahead when it comes to doing laundry.
The county’s tap water remains safe despite the massive sewage leak upstream of Arlington on the Potomac.
Virginia lifted its remaining recreational water advisory earlier this week, but even before that, the county’s tap water was never in danger. Arlington gets its water from the Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant near Great Falls, upstream from the spill.
