DC Water Lifts Precautionary Boil Water Advisory for affected customers in Upper Northwest DC

June 13, 2025
Graphic of Boil Water Advisory Lifted Notice with neighborhoods listed

**Advisory is Lifted as of 9:00 p.m., June 13, 2025** 

All DC Water customers in the impact area under the precautionary boil water advisory can use tap water for all purposes after following the instructions provided below. 

DC Water issued the precautionary boil water advisory on Thursday, June 12, as a conservative measure to protect public health due to a loss of power at a pumping station. This led to a loss of water pressure in the impacted area and was not associated with a water main break. We sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience while we have taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the tap water we deliver. 

DC Water lifted the precautionary boil water advisory after tests confirmed that drinking water meets all water quality safety standards. DC Water tested water samples from multiple sites in the affected area and has verified no coliform bacteria present following the loss of pressure in some portions of the distribution system.

The advisory affected 4,942 customers in upper Northwest DC, including some or all of the Chevy Chase DC, Friendship Heights, Tenleytown, AU Park, Spring Valley, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Van Ness, Glover Park, Wesley Heights, and Cathedral Heights neighborhoods. Customers residing in the previously affected area should take the following precautions before returning to normal water usage: 

  • Run the cold water taps for 10 minutes (if water was not used at all during the advisory).
  • Discard food, beverages or ice prepared with water that was not boiled during the advisory.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, 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 public notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. 

Customers with questions may contact DC Water Customer Service at (202) 354-3600 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400.

 Information is also available at dcwater.com and Bilingual FAQs are provided at dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ.

Este aviso y más información están también disponibles en dcwater.com y preguntas frecuentes bilingües se encuentran en dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ.

Map of Boil Water Advisory Area

Latest News

Picture showing inside of Rock Creek Main Interceptor with large crack in crown

Weekend Closure of Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail Begins Friday evening, Oct 3 for Gate Restoration Work

DC Water is advancing to the next critical phase of the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) repair project, following the discovery in May of structural vulnerabilities in the 72-inch diameter sewer line that carries over 100 million gallons of wastewater daily. These repairs are a high priority to prevent potential sewage discharge into Rock Creek.

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Beginning September 23, 2025, to Mid-November 2025

DC Water is installing temporary scaffolding at the Rock Creek Trail site, west of the Watergate Complex. Trail users are advised to adhere to flagger instructions during installation.

Scaffolding installation is expected to be completed by September 26, 2025, and will remain in place until mid-November 2025.

Canal Rd slope showing areas with fallen rock

Off-Peak Lane Closures and Sidewalk Closure Begin This Week

Starting, Saturday, September 20, DC Water will begin construction to stabilize the slope on Canal Road NW between Foxhall Road (Glover-Archbold Trailhead) and the Georgetown University (GU) entrance.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway
Scaffolding Installation Begins near Watergate Complex for Potomac River Tunnel Project

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Beginning September 23, 2025, to Mid-November 2025

DC Water is installing temporary scaffolding at the Rock Creek Trail site, west of the Watergate Complex. Trail users are advised to adhere to flagger instructions during installation.

Scaffolding installation is expected to be completed by September 26, 2025, and will remain in place until mid-November 2025.

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
October 7, 2025
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. 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.