Expect changes to the taste and smell of your tap water starting next week.
The Washington Aqueduct will be making a temporary switch from the disinfectant chloramine to chlorine from Monday, March 17 to April 28.
“The annual switch in water disinfection is part of a routine program to clean and maintain drinking water systems in the District of Columbia, Arlington County and the northeastern portion of Fairfax County,” according to a press release. “During the temporary switch to chlorine, local water authorities will also conduct system-wide flushing to enhance water quality. This program is a common practice for many U.S. water systems that use chloramine during the majority of the year.”
“Individuals may notice a slight change in the taste and smell of their drinking water,” the press release continued. “Local water authorities recommend running the cold water tap for approximately two minutes and refrigerating tap water to reduce the chlorine taste and odor. Water filters are also effective.”
