Heads Up – Do Not Drink/Use Water Advisory for Parts of Shaw/Logan/U Street

12/18/2014: 7:30 a.m. update:
“DC Water crews worked through the night to flush the water distribution system in the affected area and completed flushing this morning. Samples are being collected and taken for laboratory testing. The goal was to flush the contaminant out of the system by running large volumes of water out of the fire hydrants. If the laboratory tests confirm this was successful, the restrictions could be lifted this afternoon. Those in the affected area should continue to follow the precautions in the advisory below. The source of the contaminant is still under investigation.”

UPDATE:

“12/17/2014: 8:00 p.m. update: The map of the affected area has increased slightly to the southwest to include an area along Q Street, NW past 13th Street, NW. DC Water also added to the advisory that due to the potential for skin irritation, customers in the affected area should not wash dishes.

DC Water crews are working through the night to continue investigating the source of the petroleum odor. Please continue to follow the advisory below and make plans for your morning routine. DC Water will continue to update as information becomes available. We apologize for this inconvenience however our primary concern is protecting the health safety of our customers.

Do Not Drink Advisory Issued for DC Water Customers in Small Portion of Northwest DC

DC Water has received reports of a petroleum-type smell in the area bounded by:
South – Q St. NW and Rhode Island Ave. NW
East – 8th St. NW
West – 13th St. NW, and a portion extending slightly further west
North – S St. NW (between 9th St. NW and 13th St. NW) and T St. NW (between 7th St. NW and 9th St. NW)

From DC Water:

“DC Water has received reports of a petroleum-type smell in the area bounded by:

South – Q St. NW and Rhode Island Ave. NW
East – 8th St. 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)

We are currently investigating the situation and the affected area may change as we continue analysis. The map will be updated if it changes. 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Skin and eye irritations may occur if water is used for bathing and other hygiene activities.

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 and to take precaution when using the water for bathing. To minimize risk, follow the instructions outlined in this advisory.

Do not use water for:
• Drinking
• Preparing and cooking food
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Preparing infant formula
• Brushing teeth
• Making ice
• Giving water to pets
• Taking showers and baths

Continue to use water for:
• Washing clothes or dishes
• Flushing the toilet
• Watering plants

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014, DC Water received reports of a petroleum-type smell in the drinking water. DC Water is working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), District of Columbia government and the District Department of the Environment to immediately notify the public and to take steps to remove any contamination.

Customers will be notified immediately when the advisory is lifted.

Please 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.”