Washington D.C. and Arlington, Va., are currently facing a water crisis as authorities have advised all 920,000 residents to boil their drinking water. This drastic measure was taken after algae blooms in the Potomac River led to increased pollution levels in a reservoir, raising concerns about water safety.
The boil water advisory, affecting key locations such as the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Reagan National Airport, will remain in place until authorities confirm that the water is safe to drink. The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority emphasized the importance of this precaution in a statement.
John Lisle, a spokesperson for the Washington water utility, noted the unprecedented nature of a city-wide boil water advisory. He described it as a rare occurrence in his 11 years of service, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Residents were cautioned about cloudy or hazy water, which indicates lower water quality and may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause various health issues. Vulnerable populations such as infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.
To ensure safety, customers were advised to discard any drinks or ice made after a certain time, as well as boil water for at least one minute before use. The United States Army Corps of Engineers took immediate action to address the situation by increasing filtering capacity and implementing other measures to improve water quality.
Despite efforts to mitigate the issue, concerns about water supply adequacy persisted, prompting officials to resume pumping from the affected plant. The decision was also influenced by the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, which typically sees a surge in water usage.
The advisory’s duration remains uncertain as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Fairfax Water, a utility company serving a neighboring suburb, reported no boil water notices due to adjustments in water sources.
