Thousands of D.C. residents to recieve water filters
Twenty-three thousand District residents who have lead service lines will receive water filters in the mail by April 10.
The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority started mailing the filters out on Tuesday, The Washington Post reported. WASA had opened locations in the city where 2,800 filters were distributed to residents who came to pick them up, but they are now closed so filters can be mailed directly to residents. WASA also plans on sending a six-month supply of filter refills later this month.
Water purifier producers Brita and Pur donated the water filters. The Department of Health is also helping to get the filters to those who need them.
A statement on the Brita company Web site said, "Brita is glad to be in a position to help those families in the D.C. area who are concerned about lead in their tap water."
In addition to filtering water, it suggests that residents with lead service lines run their taps for 10 minutes everyday to flush out any lead sediment that may have collected overnight. A study conducted by WASA in early March found flushing taps reduced lead content by 95 percent.
The investigation of the high lead levels is ongoing, but WASA is otherwise operating normally. It began the annual water main flushing project this week.
The project is unrelated to the lead situation. It is done to clear any buildup in the pipes and improve water circulation by opening fire hydrants during the night, when water usage is low.
-EMILY CARONE
