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

Indoor Water Conservation Tips Graphic showing a house and ways to conserve water in the kitchen and bathroom

Current drought conditions are among the most significant experienced in more than two decades

Dry Conditions, above-average temperatures, and below-normal water levels in the
Potomac River have prompted a Drought Watch by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Drought Coordination Committee. A drought watch is triggered when the entire DC region experiences moderate drought, with current conditions some of the most significant the region has experienced in more than 20 years and underscoring the need for Wise Water use and conservation.

Close-up of the TBM cutterhead suspended by a crane

DC Water’s Newest Tunnel Boring Machine to Dig Tunnel’s Southern Segment

Emily, DC Water’s second tunnel boring machine for the Potomac River Tunnel Project, has arrived at the West Potomac Park construction site. Once assembled and launched, she will excavate the tunnel’s southern section.

Information for the DC Water Town Hall on a graphic

DC Water is reminding community members that it will host a Town Hall on Thursday, May 28, from 7–9 p.m. at DC Water Headquarters to discuss proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget updates and rate ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Close-up of the TBM cutterhead suspended by a crane
From Germany to DC, Emily Arrives on a One-Way Ticket to Help Build the Potomac River Tunnel

DC Water’s Newest Tunnel Boring Machine to Dig Tunnel’s Southern Segment

Emily, DC Water’s second tunnel boring machine for the Potomac River Tunnel Project, has arrived at the West Potomac Park construction site. Once assembled and launched, she will excavate the tunnel’s southern section.

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
Date
June 4, 2026
Thursday, 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.