*** 12/19/14: 8:45 am UPDATE ***
The Do Not Drink Advisory remains in effect until further notice. DC Water crews flushed an expanded area of the distribution system last night and into this morning in an attempt to clean the system. The Authority is conducting further testing. Responses to frequently asked questions are available online: http://www.dcwater.com/news/factsheet/pdfs/DoNotDrink_FAQ.pdf.
DC Water, EPA, DDOE and other DC agencies continue to work together to investigate. DC Water is asking the public to contact the Authority at 202-612-3400 if they are aware of any potential petroleum leaks in the area.
Water will be available for customers affected by the Advisory until further notice. Customers should bring water containers, such as reusable water bottles or other large water receptacles to the Quench Buggy, which is located at O Street, NW between 6th and 7th Street today.
IMPORTANT: The impact area changed slightly as of 6:30 pm last night. Customers in the additional area were notified door-to-door last night. Please Continue to refer to the interactive map at http://bit.ly/1xrvzFM. The map will be updated as the investigation better defines the affected area.
Current directional boundaries are as follows:
South Q St. NW and Rhode Island Ave. NW
East New Jersey Ave NW
West 13th St. NW
North S St. NW (between 9th St. NW and 13th St. NW) and T St. NW (between 7th St. NW and 9th St. NW) and Florida Ave NW (between 7th St. and New Jersey Ave. NW)
Customers in other areas of the District of Columbia are not affected and can continue to use their water as usual. DC Water advises customers in the impact area to use bottled water for drinking and cooking until testing confirms that the water is safe. To minimize any health risk, follow the instructions outlined below:
Do not use tap water for:
Drinking
Preparing and cooking food, including washing fruits and vegetables
Preparing infant formula
Brushing teeth
Making ice and washing dishes
Giving water to pets
Taking showers and baths
**Skin and eye irritations may occur if water is used for bathing and other hygiene activities.
Continue to use water for:
Washing clothes
Flushing the toilet
Watering plants
DC Water is reaching out to additional agencies for support and is escalating the investigation. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate our customers patience as we take necessary precautions to protect public health. The Authority also asks that anyone with knowledge about a building or activity in the area that may be leaking a heavy oil compound, to contact DC Waters Command Center at 202-612-3400.
If you notice a petroleum smell from your drinking water, please do not consume the water and do not use it for bathing or other hygiene activities. If you have specific health concerns or experience any unexpected symptoms of illness, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
The advisory began on Wednesday, December 17, 2014, after DC Water received reports of a petroleum-type smell in the drinking water in a portion of northwest DC.
Customers will be notified immediately when the advisory is lifted.
Share this information with everyone who drinks or uses this water, especially those who may not receive this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).
For more information, visit www.dcwater.com or contact DC Water Customer Service at 202-354-3600 or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400.
