Kevin writes:
“What’s up with my water? Cut off for a few minutes, and this is coming out of the taps now. (Taylor St NW)”
DC Water tweets:
“Flushing tap water for 15 mins should clear it up. If it doesn’t disappear after 15 mins contact the Drinking Water Division at 202-612-3440”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Chabelamarie
From DC Water:
“From March 20 through April 17, 2017, the disinfectant in drinking water will temporarily switch from chloramine to chlorine. During this time, you may notice a slight change in the taste and smell of your drinking water.
DC Water purchases treated drinking water from the Washington Aqueduct. Every year for four to five weeks, the Aqueduct switches disinfectants from chloramine back to chlorine to flush out the water distribution system and improve water quality. During the temporary switch, DC Water will also conduct system-wide flushing to enhance water quality. This program is a common practice for many U.S. water systems that normally use chloramine throughout the year. The Washington Aqueduct will continue to add a corrosion control inhibitor during this temporary switch to prevent lead release.
DC Water routinely collects and tests water samples to monitor for chloramine and chlorine levels throughout the city and will continue to do so during this period. You can view the latest test results here. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the safe use of chlorine and chloramine.
To reduce the taste or smell of chlorine, DC Water recommends: (more…)
view full Pepco map here
From Alert DC:
“Pepco reports scattered power outages throughout the District of Columbia impacting approximately 10000 customers, in conjunction with severe weather activity. Estimated time of restoration is unknown.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Clif Burns
“Dear PoPville,
A man from Clearview stopped by my house around 7 on Saturday night asking to see my latest Pepco bill. When I asked why, he said something about Pepco being deregulated and so they can’t be both my electric provider and servicer. He wanted to see my bill to confirm my rate. I thought this sounded pretty shady so I told him I didn’t have a paper bill handy as I do everything online. He then asked if I would pull up my latest bill on my phone. I told him I wasn’t doing that, forgotten passwords, etc. I said I was pretty confused by all of this and didn’t understand why I couldn’t do whatever needed to be done online or over the phone. He handed me a brochure from clearview energy and kept asking a better time to return.
Does anyone know anything about this?”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Jordan Barab
“Dear PoPville,
Curious to know if anyone has experience with a new cable provider in DC called Layer3? With Comcast and FiOS pretty much dominating the DC market, it would be nice to know if this is a viable third option.”
“DC Water contractor crews performing water pipe replacements earlier this year. Courtesy David Kidd.”
From a press release:
“This week, DC Water began work to replace old water mains in the Bloomingdale neighborhood in Northwest, DC. Some of the water mains in the neighborhood were installed in the late 1800s and are past their useful life. In fact, there have been about 25 water main breaks in the area since 2000, most of them occurring in just two blocks.
DC Water will replace close to a mile of 8-inch and 12-inch water mains. In addition to improving system reliability, the replacement program will also provide increased water pressure and unimpeded water flows. Within the same program, the Authority will also replace fire hydrants, valves and service lines located in public property. DC Water will replace any lead service lines in public space and will also offer to replace the private side (on homeowners’ private property) at the same time—at the homeowners’ expense, a cost-effective measure since the contractors will already be excavating in the neighborhood. (more…)
Thanks to a reader for sending:
“As you walk from Yards Park, along the Anacostia, toward the Stadium (Anacostia Riverwalk Trail). Note the “DC Water is life” logo on the truck juxtaposed with the tremendous amount of trash in the Anacostia River. Taken in front of DC Water.”
From a press release:
“Pepco is monitoring the path of Tropical Storm Hermine and taking steps to prepare in case the anticipated heavy rain and strong winds cause service interruptions.
If the storm gains in strength, it could damage the electric system and cause power outages. If outages occur, Pepco will work around the clock to restore power, though as always restoration will not begin until it is safe for crews to perform work. When winds exceed 35 mph, work from bucket trucks is suspended until it is safe for crews to continue.
In addition to 150 internal linemen, Pepco has an additional 250 overhead line contractors and 180 tree crew personnel as well as crews from its sister utilities Atlantic City Electric and Delmarva Power available to assist in any restoration effort. Should Pepco need extra assistance, the merger with Exelon allows for shared resources from other nearby companies in the Exelon family, including Baltimore Gas & Electric and PECO in Philadelphia. (more…)
From DC Water:
“After more than 10 years in the planning and approval process, DC Water is moving forward with the St. Elizabeths water storage tower. Construction is slated to begin in the coming weeks, and is scheduled for completion in 2018.
Some areas east of the Anacostia River have historically experienced low water pressure. DC Water planned years ago to improve the pressure with a new pumping station, water tower and transmission mains. Together, these elements would create a new water service zone (new pressure area) south of the Ft. Stanton area. While the pumping station was built in 2008, the water storage tower was delayed in approvals and permitting. (more…)
Enlarge outage map here
Been getting tons of emails and tweets about folks hit by power outages around town. Many restorations are not predicted until tomorrow. Drink your beer if it’s cold and in all seriousness, dangerous heat is also predicted tomorrow so please look out for the vulnerable. You can find more info on cooling centers here. Updates when more info is available.