DC Water has hit a major milestone in its Lead Free DC (LFDC) program: the 10,000th lead service line replacement. To commemorate the achievement, we teamed up with Washington Football Legend and NFL Hall of Famer Darrell Green to surprise one lucky DC homeowner. 

Green joined our CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis, along with our mascot Wendy the Water Drop, for the celebration. The event kicked off at the Northwest DC home of Brittny Gartrell, who was recognized as the ceremonial 10,000^th replacement. She received a special thank you, including a swag basket of DC Water goodies and football memorabilia from Green. 

“This moment is about more than just a number,” said Gadis. “It’s about the people we serve and the lives we’re changing. Ms. Gartrell’s home represents real progress—improving the health and well-being of children and families across the District.”

With this milestone, nearly 25% of the estimated lead service lines in the city have been replaced as part of our LFDC program to remove all lead service lines and reduce the risk of lead exposure. Lead in drinking water can have serious health impacts, particularly for children and expecting parents. 

Programs like these exemplify the work Green does through his Green Family Foundation. He’s been a champion for DC families for decades and the community he calls home.

“For more than 40 years, I’ve been deeply connected to DC—working to support youth, families, and the health of our community,” said Darrell Green. “Safe, reliable drinking water is essential, especially for young children whose development and learning can be harmed by lead exposure. That’s why I believe in DC Water’s Lead Free DC initiative. Their commitment to replacing every lead service line in the city—at no cost to homeowners—shares the same goal I’ve always had: to help every family thrive and give every child the opportunity to learn and grow up healthy.”

DC Water launched LFDC six years ago, funded with public-private partnerships and federal support to cover the cost for homeowners to replace the service line on their property. 

And while we’ve made it through the first 10,000 replacements, we’re not stopping anytime soon. Our work continues, and you can already see how the LFDC program is making a real difference in the lives of DC residents. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished so far:

• $27 million saved by customers on replacement costs
• 55,000+ properties inspected for lead service lines
• New jobs created through our partnership with the District of Employment Services, training “Community Activators” to help with outreach
• 8 out of 10 customers who’ve had a replacement say they’re satisfied

We encourage you to stay engaged. Learn how to sign up for a lead service line replacement, explore health info and helpful videos, and check out our interactive lead inventory map to see if your home might be affected by visiting dcwater.com/lead.

Questions? Reach out to our LFDC team at (202) 787-4044 or email lead@dcwater.com.