Arlington County’s water pipes are receiving their annual cleaning starting next week, bringing temporary changes to tap water’s taste and odor.
Starting Monday and continuing through May 5, tap water will be treated with chlorine instead of chloramine “to clean water mains and clear them of any flow issues.”
“Water service will continue uninterrupted during the procedure,” the county said in a press release. “Customers may notice a slight change in taste or odor when getting water from the tap; this is to be expected and the water is still safe to drink thanks to the purification process.”
Additionally, the county advises residents to expect the following.
- Water from the tap may have a distinct smell and taste of chlorine. 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.
- 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.
The water treatment process involves Arlington, D.C. and northeastern Fairfax County, all of which receive water from the Washington Aqueduct. Residents may see open fire hydrants as the county conducts “a system-wide flushing to enhance year-round water quality.”
More information on the county’s water treatment process is available online or at 703-228-5000 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. A 24-hour line is also available at 703-228-6555.
