What to know as drought conditions persist across D.C. area

• As of last Friday, the region was seven to nine inches below normal rainfall totals since the beginning of the year, according to the Post's Capital Weather Gang.
• The Potomac's flow rate dipped under 2,000 cubic feet per second last week, triggering daily drought monitoring.

Which brings us back to your tap water's "earthy taste."

• Algal activity in the Potomac due to warmer weather and low water levels is causing taste and odor issues, according to WSSC Water in Maryland.
• DC Water reports receiving only a handful of complaints about the issue, according to spokesperson John Lisle. The Washington Aquaduct, which takes in water from the Potomac, has added powder-activated carbon to reduce the odor, he added.
• The water is still safe, officials said.

What's next: There's a slight chance for more precipitation today and later this week, but it's unclear whether it'll be significant enough to provide relief.