Photo by Paul Frederiksen
A reader writes in to the DCist tip line:
I know DC adds chlorine to the year this time every year, but has it seemed especially bad to anyone else this week? I smell like a pool (after showering, of course). Any word on when they’ll reduce the chlorine levels again?
Most of you are probably aware that once a year, the Washington Aqueduct switches the disinfectant used in its water treatment process from chloramine to chlorine for a period of time in order to clear out any potentially harmful bacteria from the city’s water pipes. You can’t really miss it — a distinct chlorine odor and taste suddenly appears in our tap water. DC WASA announced back in January that the switch would begin on Feb. 1. But is this year’s chlorine smell actually worse than in previous years? Well, sort of.
The issue is that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which runs the Washington Aqueduct, decided that this year the switch to chlorine needed to last much longer, according to WASA spokesperson Alan Heymann. In previous years, the chlorine smell lasted for about one month. But this year, they determined that the District’s aging pipes needed additional time to get fully cleaned, so the chlorine treatment was scheduled for a full three and a half months, from Feb. all the way through to May 17. That additional time means you may be noticing a stronger smell than normal, as well.
During this lengthy treatment process, WASA officials say they are routinely collecting water samples at various points throughout the city to ensure chlorine levels meet federal drinking water standards.
“Keep in mind, water quality can change as it leaves pipes in the street and enters your home. The amount of water use in your home and age of household pipes can [also] affect the taste, odor and color of your tap water,” Heymann explained in an email.
So between now and May 17, is there anything you can do to improve the taste and odor of your tap water? DC WASA recommends running your cold water taps for 5 to 10 minutes when you haven’t used them for several hours. Refrigerating your drinking water in an open pitcher can also help reduce chlorine taste and odor.
