Tests Show Petroleum Found in Shaw, Logan Circle Water

A "Do Not Drink" advisory has been issued for the area

A "do not drink" advisory will likely stay in effect for portions of D.C.'s Shaw and Logan Circle neighborhoods after officials detected petroleum in tap water.

Someone first reported a foul odor in the water at Cleveland Elementary School on 8th Street NW Wednesday afternoon. Since then, D.C. Water officials have been going door to door, and distributing water to residents affected by the "do not drink" advisory.

A "petroleum or tar-like" substance was detected in the water Wednesday, and officials confirmed Thursday it is in fact petroleum. As of Thursday evening, they said they did not know how or why the substance got into the water, and that the advisory will likely continue Friday.

Three D.C. Public Schools elementary schools -- Cleveland, Garrison and Seaton -- will be closed Friday due to the advisory. Crews "flushed" out the system Thursday, and will do so again Friday.

Residents can use the water to flush toilets, wash clothes or water plans. According to D.C. Water officials, skin or eye irritations could occur if the water is used for hygiene.

The area affected is bordered by: 

  • South: Q Street NW and Rhode Island Avenue NW
  • East: 8th Street NW
  • West: 13th Street NW
  • North: S Street NW between 9th and 13th streets, and T Street NW between 7th and 9th streets

Water service has not been interrupted. There is no timeline for when the water will be safe to drink.

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