A reader writes us with the following question:
What's been up with the water lately? I live at 14th and Newton, and our water has recently taken on a terribly strong bleach/chlorine smell... I heard that DC Public Works was switching from using disinfecting chlorine gas to liquid for safety reasons, but I thought that wasn't supposed to change the taste or smell of our water. However, it's gotten to the point where I smell like public pool when I get out of the shower. Is it just CoHi North, or has anyone else had this problem too?
Come to think of it - I DO kind of smell like a pool. We've asked DCWASA what's up... does anyone else smell like a pool? Don't be shy.
UPDATE: Yes - you DO smell like a pool! Reader Emily points us to this release: http://www.dcwasa.com/news/listings/press_release427.cfm. You know, it also tastes kinda like a pool. And it's going to last until about the time when the pool opens.
10 comments:
http://www.dcwasa.com/news/listings/press_release427.cfm
Um yes, I've definitely noticed this recently at my abode near U street. Thanks for the link explaining, Emily.
Yes! I live at 14th and Girard and it smells like a pool. In the shower, washer machines, and the sink. When can this stop! It's killing my skin too
But don't worry, it's only been linked to cancer.
So that explains it! Thanks Emily and THL. This has been driving me (and my nose) crazy.
Yup, me too. And I thought this was the new water heater our landlord put in.
Yes, new water heaters generate chlorine. (rolls eyes)
As noted in the DC WASA press release, the Washington Aqueduct has switched from chloramine to chlorine for drinking water disinfection until May 17, 2010. Initially, chlorine taste and odor may be more noticeable at your tap and we anticipate that this will decline within the first few weeks of the switch.
If you are experiencing a chlorine taste and odor, we recommend running your cold water taps for 5 – 10 minutes. We also recommend collecting cold tap water in an open pitcher and refrigerating for a few hours to allow the taste and odor to disappear. We will continue to collect water samples throughout the city and ensure chlorine levels remain within our target levels.
For additional information, we have posted a FAQ resource on our web site at www.dcwasa.com/waterquality. For additional questions, customers can contact the DC WASA Water Quality Division at 202-612-3440 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or 202-612-3400 (24-hour).
Thank you!
DC WASA
Office of Public Affairs
I think I smelled some pool on someone too!
Thanks for this. I've been noticing it too, especially when I move my clean (yet chlorine-y) clothes from the washer to the dryer. I contacted WASA and the woman pointed me to a similar press release. She also said that the smell should be less noticable in a few weeks either because the water chemistry will even out or I'll get used to it. We can only hope. I searched past releases and it looks like before the switch to chlorine would only be done for a month or so; I wonder why they're doing it longer now.
Post a Comment