Lead Service Line Flushing Clarification

February 19, 2004

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority has urged District residents whose homes have lead service lines to flush their taps for 10 minutes to protect against high levels of lead in drinking water. Officials with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have agreed that the longer flushing time will ensure that water left in lead service lines overnight or for long periods is drained off before customers collect water for drinking or cooking.

WASA had previously distributed brochures and stated publicly that residents should flush their taps for about one or two minutes, a guideline based on long-standing EPA recommendations. The original guidelines were actually issued several times, including September 2003. The safety of the District’s water supply is WASA’s top priority and we are working diligently to understand why there has been an increase in lead levels in tap water in some homes. We are committed to discovering the cause of elevated lead levels, identifying solutions, and fixing the problem.

Latest News

Soil Removal Underway with Excavator in Canal

Today, DC Water and its contractors began removing contaminated soil between locks 13 and 14 in the C & O Canal, which was used as a temporary bypass during the Potomac Interceptor repair effort. Clean-up efforts are ongoing at Lock 10 with work to remove sludge now getting underway between locks 11 and 13.

Aerial shot of Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatement Plant

Series 2026 Bond Transaction Delivers Significant Long-Term Cost Savings

DC Water has closed on a refinancing deal for its Series 2026 bonds that will save customers millions of dollars and keep rates affordable across the District. The refinancing transaction, which closed this month, delivers approximately $54 million in budget savings over the next twenty years, directly benefiting DC ratepayers through reduced costs.

Photo of drainage channel with soil stabilization and grass growing in

DC Water, in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency, is evaluating soil samples from areas directly impacted by the Potomac Interceptor overflows, where the initial clean-up is complete. This includes the drainage channel along Clara Barton Parkway, Rock Run Culvert (Culvert 12), and the unnamed tributary to the Potomac River.

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
Date
April 7, 2026
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

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.