Why Does My Water Smell Funny? And Tips For World Water Day

You might have noticed an unusual scent or taste from your tap water starting yesterday.

From March 21 through May 2 the Washington Aqueduct will temporarily switch from using chloramine to chlorine to disinfect the drinking water as part of routine maintenance. The Washington Aqueduct serves Vienna, the District of Columbia, Arlington County and Falls Church.

The temporary switch to chlorine is a standard practice among systems that use chloramine; it allows for a system-wide flush to clean out any potentially harmful bacteria. According to DC Water, chlorine levels will continue to meet EPA standards and are not a health risk.

To reduce the taste and odor from your tap water, local water authorities recommend running the cold water tap for approximately two minutes and refrigerating cold tap water for a few hours. Water filters can also help reduce unwanted tastes and odors.

Certain groups and businesses, however, should continue taking extra precautions when using tap water. Namely: dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners. Most methods used to remove chloramine from water are equally effective and necessary for water treated with chlorine. Additionally, water agencies recommend that individuals with special health concerns consult with a health care provider on the use of tap water.

For additional information, contact DC Water at 202-612-3440 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or 202-612-3400 (24-hour).

WORLD WATER DAY

While you're thinking about water, also take a minute to celebrate World Water Day, held annually on March 22. The day was first recognized by the United Nations in 1993 as a "means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources."

There are events (many going on online) across the world, and also some easy ways you can be mindful of your water consumption at home:

• Don't let the water run when you're rinsing dishes. If possible, fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Don't rely on the garbage disposal. Compost vegetable food waste instead.
• Start watering your garden or lawn in the morning or the evening, instead of mid-day. When temperatures are cooler, it minimizes evaporation. 
• Take shorter showers. You've probably heard it before, but one or two minutes can save up to 150 gallons per month.
• Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, there is likely a leak. You'll save 1,000 gallons a month by fixing it.
• Instead of thawing food with running water, defrost it in the fridge.

Tips taken from wateruseitwisely.com