Know Your Pipes: DC Water Sends Annual Notifications to Help Customers Stay Informed

December 04, 2025
Image of Wendy with EPA Letter

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DC Water is reaching out to nearly 25,000 customers this month with important information about the material of their water service lines. These annual notifications are part of DC Water’s ongoing commitment to prevent exposure to lead and remove lead service lines from the District’s drinking water system through the Lead Free DC initiative.  

If you’ve received a similar notice in the past, that’s because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires these updates every year to keep customers informed and safe. EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), calls for annual updates when a service line may be lead, galvanized iron, or unknown.

While these letters are required under federal rules, it’s more than compliance for DC Water. It’s about the health and safety of the communities we serve. That’s why we’ve also included more helpful information in the letter, including:  

  • Information on free lead line replacement programs
  • Steps to confirm your pipe material if it’s unknown
  • Information about the health effects of lead exposure
  • Tips to reduce potential exposure to lead

Lead exposure can have serious health impacts, especially for children and expecting parents. Knowing your service line material is the first step toward reducing risk and planning for replacement.  

Since launching Lead Free DC in 2019, we’ve already replaced more than 10,000 lead service lines, and we’re continuing that work across the District!

Join DC Water in the mission to replace all lead service lines!

Visit dcwater.com/lead to check your service line, sign up for a replacement, and explore helpful videos and resources. Questions? Contact our Lead Free DC team at 202-787-4044 or lead@dcwater.com

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View of Mary at bottom of shaft inside tunnel shown from above

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Photo of the vegetation growing back in the culvert area
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Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

View of Mary at bottom of shaft inside tunnel shown from above
DC Water Launches Tunnel Boring Machine Mary, Marking Important Step for Potomac River Tunnel Project

First turn of cutterhead signals the start of excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project

In a defining moment for one of the District’s largest infrastructure investments, DC Water has marked its next major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The first tunnel boring machine, Mary, has launched her northbound journey breaking through the soil to signal the start of excavation.

With the first turn of Mary’s drill-like cutterhead underground, the machine pushed forward to begin tunneling, representing the transition from years of planning and preparation to active tunnel construction on the $819 million project.

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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.