The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) has received several recent complaints about the taste and odor of tap water. Water quality officials say this is a temporary, non-health threatening issue likely due to the deterioration of fall leaves and the low water levels in the Potomac River, the Districts drinking water source.

WASA purchases drinking water from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington Aqueduct and distributes it throughout the District of Columbia.

"The degradation, or breakdown, of the acid in the leaves produces an earthy odor," explains Aqueduct General Manager Thomas Jacobus. "This years water levels have been very low, without a lot of rain and fresh water to push along the decaying leaves."

A few heavy rainstorms, Jacobus says, should solve the problem. In the meantime, the Aqueduct is adding activated carbon to its treatment process to absorb the odor.

"This is an aesthetic issue and an important one, but not a health problem," Jacobus says. "The Aqueduct and our customers at WASA and in Arlington and Falls Church will continue to carefully monitor the water quality so we can make any adjustments necessary to assure that the taste and odor issues are resolved."

Water quality concerns may be addressed by calling the Washington Aqueduct at 202-764-0019 or WASA at 202-612-3400.