Boil water advisory lifted for D.C. and Arlington following algae bloom concerns

In a recent development, the water boil advisory that was in place for Washington, D.C., and parts of Arlington, Va., has been lifted early Thursday. This news comes as a relief as the nation's capital gears up to welcome a large number of visitors for the annual Fourth of July celebrations. The advisory was initially issued due to concerns over the water supply's quality, with authorities citing a decrease in supply as the reason. The precautionary measure also covered key locations such as the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Reagan National Airport. Officials confirmed that the drinking water provided by the Washington Aqueduct consistently met the water quality standards set by the U.S. EPA, despite the initial concerns. The advisory was prompted by increased turbidity in the water, caused by algae blooms in the Potomac River, which could potentially facilitate microbial growth. While turbidity itself does not pose direct health risks, it can interfere with disinfection processes and indicate the presence of harmful organisms. The Army Corps of Engineers took steps to address the issue by adjusting water treatment operations and adding chemicals to combat the algae. Residents were advised to follow specific guidelines, including boiling water for one minute before consumption and discarding any beverages or ice made after a certain time. Bottled water was recommended for various uses, including drinking, cooking, and pet care. The advisory will remain in place until further testing confirms that the water is safe for consumption. The timing of the advisory, just before the Fourth of July celebrations, was acknowledged as unfortunate by John Lisle, DC Water's vice president of marketing and communications, emphasizing the importance of ensuring public safety during such events.