DC Water and Sewer Authority
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 27, 2004 |
Contact: Johnnie Hemphill
202/787-2200 |
UPDATE to press release dated May 19, 2004
TREATMENT TO ADDRESS LEAD PROBLEM IS MODIFIED
The chemical treatment employed by the Washington Aqueduct to address
lead leaching in lead service line pipes and fixtures has been modified
from zinc orthophosphate to orthophosphate. The change comes as a result
of concerns from Arlington County that zinc orthophosphate may impact its
wastewater treatment plant.
The Washington Aqueduct, which is responsible for treating the District’s
water, also supplies water to Arlington County and Falls Church. The start
date for the Washington Aqueduct to begin adding the chemical treatment to
the water that is distributed to a small area in the Northwest quadrant of
the city remains the same, on or about June 1.
Both chemicals work as corrosion inhibitors that form a protective
coating inside of lead service line pipes and fixtures to prevent lead
from leaching into drinking water.
A public meeting will be held Wednesday, June 2, 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the
Blessed Sacrament Shrine Church, 5841 Chevy Chase Parkway to answer
residents’ questions about the addition of orthophosphate. |