In a recent update, Arlington County has announced the lifting of the Boil Water Advisory that was issued on July 3, 2024. The advisory was put in place as a precautionary measure due to clarity issues discovered at the Washington Aqueduct, the county's source of drinking water.

Following thorough investigation, it has been determined that water quality standards were never exceeded at any point, alleviating concerns further. Unlike advisories that are typically issued following water main breaks, residents can now resume normal water usage immediately, as all tests indicate that the water is safe to drink and complies with federal and state regulations.

Arlington County authorities express appreciation for the understanding and patience demonstrated by residents, businesses, and their customers during this time. Adhering to strict safety protocols, the county ensured that public health and safety were of utmost priority.

Previously, residents of Arlington and the District of Columbia were urged to boil their water as a precaution in response to potential contamination caused by algae blooms in the Potomac River. The Boil Water Advisory, which went into effect around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, remains in effect until further notice. However, it should be noted that the advisory only applies to the majority of Arlington, with a small portion in the western region being served by Fairfax County's water system and not affected by the advisory.

The increased levels of turbidity observed in the water sourced from the Potomac River at the Washington Aqueduct prompted the advisory. Customers may have noticed their water appearing cloudy or hazy, as higher levels of turbidity can impact the effectiveness of the water treatment process.

To ensure safety, residents were advised to bring their water to a rolling boil for one minute and let it cool before using it for various purposes such as drinking, cooking, or serving pets. In addition, the county requested residents to conserve water during the July 4 holiday by refraining from watering lawns and washing cars.

The Washington Aqueduct, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, continues to implement increased treatment processes to address the turbidity issue. Meanwhile, customers in the Willston Pressure Zone, located near the intersection of McKinley Rd. and Wilson Blvd., are not affected by the advisory.

With the lifting of the Boil Water Advisory, Arlington County residents can now have confidence in the safety of their drinking water.