Some residents may notice a change in their tap water due to algae in the Potomac River, according to WSSC Water.
Customers serviced by WSSC’s Potomac Water Filtration Plant may find a difference in taste and odor of tap water “because of algal activity,” per a notice from WSSC. “Despite the taste and odor issues,” according to WSSC, the water is safe and meets EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
“This temporary change is not harmful and is due to an increase in a naturally occurring substance, Geosmin, caused by warmer weather and low water levels in the Potomac River.”
On Monday, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin began active drought monitoring due to low river flow.
Geosmin is naturally-occurring and has no health effects at its current concentration, according to WSSC. The agency is monitoring levels and will continue to provide updates.
WSSC notes that boiling water will not improve the smell and flushing water lines will not help.
WSSC made water treatment process changes, which are expected to improve issues but not eliminate all odor and taste. If drought conditions do not improve in the Potomac River, per WSSC, the taste and odor will not be fixed in the short-term.
Are you noticing an earthy taste in your tap water? The change is due to algal activity in the Potomac River. Despite the taste & odor issues, water remains safe. More info at https://t.co/xeWYZEo8BX – have a question or complaint, fill & submit this form https://t.co/bAxmTzm5oS pic.twitter.com/GZJCqbKOT8
— WSSC Water (@WSSCWaterNews) June 13, 2023
