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The Washington Aqueduct has recommended issuance of a Boil Water Advisory for the District of Columbia and portions of Northern Virginia due to elevated turbidity levels in water supply caused by increases in algae blooms in the Potomac River.
Blooms generally occur during high temperatures, causing conditions in water where nutrient levels are high.
Turbidity, a measure of water’s cloudiness or clarity, plays a crucial role in assessing water quality. It is an important factor in water quality, as it can interfere with the effectiveness of water treatment process and impact the color, taste, and smell of drinking water.
Upon observing the increase in algae and resulting turbidity today, Washington Aqueduct staff implemented additional mechanical and chemical treatment solutions to help meet system water supply demands and EPA standards. Staff immediately began washing filters to increase production and made necessary chemical adjustments, increasing coagulants that prevent filter clogs. Alternate filters were brought online for additional treatment capacity.
Additionally, the EPA authorized the addition of copper sulfate and sodium permanganate to combat algae in the Washington Aqueduct’s reservoirs.
Washington Aqueduct will continue to closely monitor water levels and coordinate with its wholesale customers, EPA, and local and state agencies. Updates will be available via the Washington Aqueduct’s website: http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Missions/Washington-Aqueduct/
The Washington Aqueduct collects, purifies, and pumps an average of 150 million gallons of water per day at two treatment plants in the District of Columbia for its three wholesale customers - DC Water, Arlington County, and Fairfax Water. We encourage water users to visit their respective water provider’s website for additional information, including recommendations on how they can reduce the impact to water supply as this issue evolves.
Additional Information
Baltimore District delivers vital engineering solutions in collaboration with its partners to serve and strengthen the Nation, energize the economy, and reduce disaster risks. Headquartered near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Baltimore District provides design, engineering, construction, environmental, and real estate expertise to various important projects and customers. This support spans five states, the District of Columbia, overseas, and the Susquehanna, Potomac, and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. These civil and military missions and diverse engineering services support communities and warfighters while addressing the ever-growing list of emerging national security requirements and ultimately protecting the Nation.
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| Date Taken: | 07.03.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.08.2024 08:58 |
| Story ID: | 475593 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Hometown: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 7 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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