The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority has issued a boil water advisory to 4,800 customers across Upper Northwest following a water main break.
A 20-inch water main broke Wednesday morning, resulting in a loss of water pressure in affected neighborhoods. Water pressure was restored by 11:30 a.m. except in an area near the break, but the temporary loss of pressure compromised the safety of the water, officials said.
Loss of pressure can allow water from outside the pipe to flow in and can cause contamination. Officials issued a boil water advisory as a precaution, saying they do not know for certain that contamination has occurred.
The affected neighborhoods include Upper Chevy Chase, Fort Reno, American University, Spring Valley, Friendship Heights, Westover Place, Wakefield, North Cleveland Park, Palisades, Wesley Heights, Foxhall Crescent, Foxhall Village, Hawthorne, Barnaby Woods and Chevy Chase.
Customers are urged to discard any drinks or ice made after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Before boiling, cold water should be run until any discoloration is gone and should be run for two minutes if there is a known lead contamination before boiling, officials said.
Cooled, properly boiled water or bottled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, making ice, preparing baby formula and for giving to pets.
The boil water advisory will not be lifted before Friday. The criteria for ending the advisory is two consecutive days of tests confirming that bacteria is not present in the water supply.