Washington, DC and Northern Virginia residents have been advised to boil their drinking water due to algae blooms in the Potomac River. The Washington Aqueduct recommended this precaution after observing increased algae blooms in the river. The boil water advisory affects nearly a million residents in the area, including prominent locations like the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Reagan National Airport.
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority stated that the advisory will remain in place until authorities confirm that the water is safe to drink. Cloudy or hazy water could indicate lower water quality and may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These contaminants can lead to symptoms like nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and headaches, especially affecting vulnerable populations such as infants, children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Residents are urged to discard any drinks or ice made after a certain time and boil water for at least one minute before using it for various purposes like drinking, cooking, and hygiene. The United States Army Corps of Engineers has increased filtering capacity to address the issue, while the Washington Aqueduct has adjusted water treatment processes to manage the situation.
Despite efforts to mitigate the problem, concerns about water supply remain, particularly during the Fourth of July holiday period when water usage typically rises. The advisory is expected to stay in place until authorities are confident that the water is safe for consumption. Fairfax Water, a utility company serving another suburb in Northern Virginia, has not issued boil water notices as they stopped receiving water from the affected source earlier.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about updates regarding the boil water advisory and follow the recommended precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. Public health and safety are top priorities in addressing water quality issues, and authorities are working diligently to resolve the situation promptly. Stay tuned for further developments and guidance on when the advisory will be lifted.