WASHINGTON — Starting next week, systems that carry drinking water to homes and business across the area will go through a cleaning process, leading to some odd changes in tap water.
“Customers may notice a stronger chlorine taste and smell,” says Nicole Condon with DC Water.
The disinfectant used to treat the water supply will temporarily switch from chloramine to chlorine.
The change will last from March 23 until May 4.
“We’ll be making sure that we’re doing all of our regular testing and making sure that those chlorine levels remain safe,” Condon says.
Parts of D.C., Arlington County and northeastern Fairfax County will be impacted.
Customers who want to reduce the chlorine taste and odor are urged to run their cold water for a couple minutes before drinking it. Refrigerating tap water and using a water filter also are effective steps customers can take.
