Chlorinated Water Temporarily Coming to a Tap Near You

As part of an annual "spring cleaning," the Washington Aqueduct will switch from treating drinking water with chloramine to chlorine from March 18 through April 29, impacting customers in Washington, D.C., Arlington County and Falls Church.

The switch is part of a routine program to clean and maintain water distribution systems in the impacted areas. Water authorities will also conduct system-wide flushing to enhance water quality, according to a press release from D.C. Water.

During the cleaning period when chlorine is in use, customers may notice a change in the smell and taste of their drinking water.

"Local water authorities recommend running the cold water tap for approximately two minutes and refrigerating cold tap water for a few hours to reduce taste and odor. Water filters are also effective in reducing chlorine taste and odor," according to the press release.

Indviduals or buinesses that normally take extra precautions to remove chloramine from tap water—for example dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners—are still encouraged to do so, according to the press release.

For questions about how these temporary changes might impact you, you may contact your local water authority:

DC Water: 202-612-3440 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or 202-612-3400 (24-hour) / www.dcwater.com

Arlington County: 703-228-6570 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) or 703-228-6555 (24-hour)

Falls Church City: 703-248-5071 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) or 703-248-5044 (24-hour)

Washington Aqueduct: 202-764-2753 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)