DC officials issue rare boil advisory due to large algae blooms and concerns over cloudy water

Boil Water Advisory Lifted in D.C. and Arlington County, Virginia

D.C. and Arlington County Advisory Lifted

The recent boil water advisory that impacted D.C. and most of Arlington County, Virginia, has been lifted after more than nine hours of caution.

Reason for Advisory

Officials from D.C. Water and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the advisory was issued as a preventive measure due to concerns over increased cloudiness, known as turbidity, in the water supply. This was a result of an unusually large algae bloom in the Potomac River and the reservoir.

Quick Resolution

Despite the initial concerns, the advisory was swiftly lifted as routine testing confirmed that the water quality met Environmental Protection Agency standards. According to Col. Estee Pinchasin, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, there were no deviations from the required levels.

Historical Context

This incident marked the first time in nearly 30 years that a boil water warning was issued for all of D.C. The last similar occurrence was in 1996, coincidentally also on the Fourth of July, lasting approximately a week.

Impact on Arlington County

In addition to D.C., the boil water advisory affected nearly all of Arlington County, including prominent locations such as the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Reagan National Airport.

Resolution in Arlington County

The Arlington County government issued its own advisory, which has also been lifted, ensuring that residents and facilities in the area can resume normal water usage.

Cautionary Measures

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers identified issues with elevated cloudiness in the water supply, caused by increased algae blooms in the Potomac River. This prompted the precautionary advisory to be issued promptly to safeguard water quality.

Reasoning Behind Advisory

John Lisle, a spokesperson with D.C. Water, highlighted that the advisory was a precautionary step to ensure water availability for emergency services, especially during a significant holiday like the Fourth of July, while also allowing the system to flush out excess water.

Health Concerns

While cloudy water itself may not pose direct health risks, it can compromise disinfection processes and create favorable conditions for microbial growth, necessitating the need for caution.

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Read More of this Story at wtop.com – 2024-07-04 15:33:45