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

Photo of someone using the tap water with the dates of the annual water line cleaning March 23 - May 4

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets and cabinets. DC Water’s system gets a refresh too!

Starting March 23, DC Water will begin work that helps maintain more than 1,300 miles of water lines across the District. During this time, the disinfectant used in drinking water will temporarily switch from chloramine to chlorine through May 4. This switch helps support overall water quality throughout the year.

Workers doing ongoing rehabilitation work

As work nears completion on the initial clean-up and temporary stabilization of the areas directly impacted by the Potomac Interceptor overflows, DC Water is beginning preparations for beautification and revegetation to restore native plants, trees, and shrubs.

Before moving to the next phase of environmental rehabilitation, DC Water is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct soil sampling to verify the clean-up efforts.

photos of workers with hoses vacuuming out canal

Work is ongoing to complete the initial phase of environmental rehabilitation and temporary stabilization this week in areas directly impacted by the overflows. A small section of the drainage channel along Clara Barton Parkway remains. Preliminary clean-up of the culvert, tributary, and Potomac River shoreline has also been completed.

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.