Ensure High Quality Drinking Water from the Tap

June 19, 2008

Once water leaves the public mains and enters household plumbing, especially for long stagnation periods, water quality may change, resulting in taste and odor problems.

WASA recommends the following steps to improve the quality of drinking water in the home.

The quality of drinking water is affected as it flows through WASA’s 1300-mile distribution system. Water quality may deteriorate before it enters homes.

- If water has been stagnant for more than six (6) hours, run the cold water for approximately two minutes from the faucet before using for drinking or cooking.
- Routinely remove and clean the faucet strainer and aerator to remove debris.
- Regularly replace home water filters as instructed by the manufacturer since used filters can elevate bacteria levels and accumulate metals.
- Drain hot water heaters annually to remove sediment and calcium particles that can affect water pressure.

Latest News

Graphic with meeting information

DC Water is inviting Maryland residents to join us tonight for a community meeting at Walt Whitman High School at 7 p.m. for an update about ongoing repair efforts on a section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line that failed, directly impacting the surrounding Montgomery County communities. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions, learn about planned environmental restoration efforts, and next steps in the emergency repair and long-term rehabilitation efforts.

Placeholder DC Water Image

Crews continue work to clean the remaining debris upstream and downstream of the damaged Potomac Interceptor Pipe, with no overflows entering the Potomac River in 18 days.
A rock and debris dam that had been blocking the pipe has been removed, but some large rocks and boulders remain in other sections of the pipe and may require additional excavation to remove.

Photo of remaining rocks and debris

DC Water has made significant progress toward repairing a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor. Crews are nearly done removing a rock and debris dam that was blocking the pipe. Several feet of rocks and debris remain to be cleared and is expected to be completed overnight. Ongoing work continues to maintain bypass pumping operations 24/7 with no overflows reported for 17 days.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.