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Thankfully, the smell and taste are only temporary and the water is still safe to use.
Author: David Beardsley (WUSA9), WUSA 9 Staff, Abby Llorico
Published: 5:39 PM EDT April 20, 2023
Updated: 5:39 PM EDT April 20, 2023
WASHINGTON — Have you noticed an odd smell when turning on your kitchen sink or trying to take a bath or shower? Well, as the weather warms up, so comes the annual spring cleaning of the pipes.
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers temporarily switches disinfectants used to clean the water distribution system served by the Washington Aqueduct every spring. The chlorine flush can give tap water a smell and taste that are often described as "funky." This funk can last for a few weeks.
Thankfully, the smell and taste are only temporary and the water is still safe to use.
The CDC considers up to 4 milligrams of chlorine per liter in water safe to drink. According to water survey data, DC Water estimates median levels between 2.5 to 3.5 milligrams throughout 2021. It happened to be closer to 2.5 during the spring cleaning months.
In order to reduce the funk, DC Water suggests people:
- Run the cold water tap for two minutes. Run it for five to 10 minutes when water is not used for several hours
- Refrigerate cold tap water in an open pitcher. Within a few hours, the chlorine taste and odor will disappear
- Consider using a water filter. Some filters may reduce the chlorine taste and smell. DC Water recommends using pitcher-style filters or devices installed at the faucet
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