Bolling - Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

JBAB distributes municipal water to non-commercial and non-residential facilities across the installation. This water is supplied by The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water), which purchases from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Aqueduct. The Aqueduct processes water by eliminating impurities and introducing disinfectants to regulate microbial content.

DC Water conducts quality monitoring throughout the city to ensure water meets Federal standards. For additional DC Water information, visit https://www.dcwater.com/waterquality. Regular testing at JBAB is conducted by the Environmental Team within the Public Works Department (PWD), with results shown in Tables 1 and 2 of this report.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and may collect substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential source water contaminants include:

• Microbial Contaminants: viruses and bacteria from sewage facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Pesticides and Herbicides: from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Inorganic Contaminants: salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and waste systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: naturally-occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

1. Why does my water have a strong chlorine taste and odor?
   Water utilities switch from chloramines to free chlorine as a disinfectant once annually. This transition helps maintain the sanitary condition of the distribution system. This change typically occurs in spring and lasts approximately two weeks. During this period, your water may have a stronger chlorine taste and smell, but remains safe for consumption. Utilities notify customers about this annual change so sensitive individuals can take necessary precautions.
2. My water has an earthy and musty taste and smell, is it safe?
   Earthy and musty tastes in municipal water typically result from naturally occurring compounds found in source water bodies. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) commonly produce these compounds, especially during late summer and early fall. While treatment removes most of these substances, some individuals may detect their presence due to sensitivity to even minimal amounts. Despite these sensory differences, the water remains safe to drink as these compounds have no direct health effects.
3. Why is fluoride added to municipal water?
   Fluoride is added to help prevent tooth decay, particularly benefiting young children who develop stronger, more decay-resistant teeth when consuming fluoridated water. This practice is both safe and effective for dental health protection. Water utilities typically maintain fluoride concentration at 0.7 parts per million, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
4. How is municipal water tested for safety?
   Water utilities monitor quality at all treatment stages. Parameters like turbidity and chlorine levels are tracked continuously. Dozens of laboratory tests are performed daily to verify treatment plant output quality. Additional routine testing throughout the distribution system ensures that municipal water delivered to customers consistently meets safety and quality standards.