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

December 04, 2025
Image of Wendy with EPA Letter

Spanish/Español | French/Français | Korean/한국인 | Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt | Amharic/አማርኛ | Simplified Chinese/简体中文 | Traditional Chinese/繁體中文

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

Latest News

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour

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.

Map of lane closure

Beginning on or about January 19, 2026, weather permitting, DC Water will implement a temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW between Virginia Avenue NW and F Street NW. During ...

Placeholder DC Water Image

Construction crews will be working around the clock on the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) project this weekend, requiring a section of the Rock Creek Multi-use Trail to be closed and changes in ...

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
Date
January 20, 2026
Tuesday, 2:00 PM

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.