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VIA THE WASHINGTON POST:

Officials at the District’s Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) are advising customers in certain Northwest neighborhoods not to use water until further notice due to a higher-than-normal chlorine concentration.

The boundaries of the area are:

West Boundary: MacArthur Boulevard NW

North Boundary: Western Avenue and Eastern Avenue NW

East Boundary: Amtrak railroad

South Boundary (east side of Rock Creek): Upshur Street NW

South Boundary (west side of Rock Creek): Calvert Street to Observatory Circle to W Street

The spike happened early Tuesday morning at DC WASA’s unmanned Fort Reno facility when it was offline for routine maintenance disinfection. At 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, operators at the Bryant Street Pump Station identified a drop in the reservoir at Fort Reno, which indicated the possibility of a chlorine spike. WASA dispatched staff to confirm a higher-than-normal chlorine concentration in the water, which they determined had happened at approximately 5 a.m.

Customers who used water with excess chlorine may have noticed taste and odor problems. While unlikely, the chlorine may also cause a reaction in individuals with sensitive skin. Anyone who observes such a reaction should contact a physician.

WASA officials notified the Environmental Protection Agency immediately upon learning of the chlorine spike. Water-quality crews are monitoring the system across the entire affected area and will advise the public when the water supply has returned to normal. WASA’s staff is also assessing the causes of the problem.

Customers with questions should call the D.C. WASA 24-hour Emergency Center at 202-612-3400.

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