DC Water Issues Precautionary Boil Water Advisory

July 13, 2018
Reduced map

UPDATE July 14, 12:50 pm: The affected area has been reduced. We are in the process of updating the interactive map but the image above shows the new impacted area.

UPDATE July 13, 2:00 pm: Please note that an new interactive map is now available for customers to use to see if they are in the affected area: Boil Water Map

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) advises customers to boil their water for cooking and drinking until further notice if they live within the area that is bounded by the following:

* The north is bounded by Western Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue to Nebraska Avenue to Military Rd to Missouri to New Hampshire Avenue.  
* To the east by Eastern Avenue  
* To the South by New York Ave to K St to Whitehurst Freeway, and  
* To the west by Canal Road to the Clara Barton Pkwy.  
Map of Affected Area:  
https://www.dcwater.com/sites/default/files/2nd%20High%20Boil%20Water%20Area_V2.pdf  

They should also boil their water if they experienced low water pressure or had no water after 8:30 p.m. on July 12. If customers do not have water service, they are advised to boil water when service is restored. If customers did not experience low water pressure and do not live in the affected area, customers do not need to boil their water.  

On Thursday, July 12, at approximately 8:30 p.m., an open valve at Bryant Street Pumping Station resulted in a loss of pressure in portions of our distribution system for about an hour. A loss of pressure in the pipe system makes it possible for contaminants to enter the water. Due to this loss of pressure, as a precaution, affected customers are advised to boil their water until further notice. To minimize risk, customers should follow the instructions outlined below.  

Customers should:  

* 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  
* Preparing infant formula  
* Giving water to pets

 The valve problem was corrected and pressure has been restored. Our teams will continue to test samples of the water and we will lift the advisory when we determine the water is safe. Customers will be notified immediately when the advisory is lifted. If you are concerned about your health or the health of your family, please consult your health care provider. Please share this information with everyone who drinks this water, especially those who may not receive this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).  

For more information, visit www.dcwater.com or read the FAQs at https://www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ. You may also contact DC Water Customer Service at 202.354.3600 or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202.612.3400.

Latest News

Photo of LFDC workers digging

DC Water's Lead Free DC Program accelerated its work across all eight wards last year, replacing 43% more lead service lines in Fiscal Year 2025 than the prior year. This marks a significant achievement for the program in the newly released annual report on Lead Free DC.

graphic with meeting information

We hope to see you tonight for our upcoming Lead Free DC Virtual Meeting! We will discuss Losing the Lead Without Losing Your Yard. This session is an in-depth look at an important concern for many homeowners: how Lead Free DC restores your yard following a lead service line replacement.

Photo of Potomac River at the overflow location

Hundreds of Sampling Results Confirm Return to Normal Bacteria Levels in Potomac River

DC Water has outlined its next steps to complete the environmental cleanup and its plan for continued water quality monitoring this summer, as part of the ongoing response to January’s failure in the Potomac Interceptor sewer pipeline. The plan, submitted to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), is supported by extensive data from hundreds of samples.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Placeholder DC Water Image
Piney Branch Parkway Temporary Closure and Relocation

DC Water has nearly completed construction site preparation for the Piney Branch Tunnel project, including tree removal, and installation of fences

Latest Blog Post
DC Water General Manager and CEO David Gadis recognizes Lily MacDonald during the May Board of Directors meeting.
From Classroom to Community: A Student Spotlight on DC Water's SPLASH Program
A speechwriting assignment became a call to action for water access and affordability through DC Water's SPLASH program.
Upcoming Meeting

Upcoming Events

May 16
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
May 20

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.