Approximately 7,000 DC Water customers in Northeast DC remain under a boil water advisory this evening. Earlier Saturday, DC Water narrowed the impacted area and customers can verify if their street address is in the affected area by checking the updated interactive map or calling the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400.  The impacted area includes portions of neighborhoods east of North Capitol Street, including University Heights, Michigan Park, N. Michigan Park, Queens Chapel and Brookland.

Crews collected additional water samples in the impacted area on Saturday and those samples are now being analyzed. DC Water anticipates getting the test results Sunday morning and plans to provide an update to customers by 10 AM.

Customers located in the affected area should continue boiling water for drinking and cooking until further notice. Customers that are not located in this area are not affected and can use tap water normally.

Customers affected by the boil water advisory should follow these precautions:

• If water is discolored, run the tap until clear, prior to boiling.
• Bring water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes.
• Allow water to cool before using.
• Store cooled water in a clean container with a cover.

Customers should use cooled, boiled water or bottled water for:

• Drinking
• Brushing teeth
• Preparing and cooking food
• Making ice (discard beverages and ice that were made prior to boil water advisory)
• Preparing infant formula
• Giving water to pets

*Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiled or bottled water

On July 14, DC Water received one positive test result out of the multiple sites tested throughout the affected area that indicated the presence of contamination. DC Water is working closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to notify the public and take steps to remove any contamination. To correct the problem, DC Water will continue flushing water from the system, and testing water samples to assess water safety. The safety and health of our customers are our top priorities, and the boil water advisory will remain in effect until we confirm that the water is safe.

On July 12, an open valve at Bryant Street Pumping Station resulted in a loss of pressure in portions of our distribution system for about an hour. The loss of pressure in the pipe system made it possible for contaminants to enter the water.

Some populations may be at greater risk for adverse health effects. If you are in this more sensitive group, please consult your medical provider for advice. Symptoms associated with exposure to contamination include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your medical provider.

Please share this information with everyone in the affected area, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. DC Water will provide the next update later today.

Bilingual Boil Water Advisory FAQs can be found at www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ and provide additional guidance for affected customers.

Customers with water quality questions should contact the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 or the Drinking Water Division at (202) 612-3440 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). All other questions or suggestions should be directed to DC Water Customer Service at (202) 354-3600 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Information is also available at www.dcwater.com.