Lead Service Line Flushing Clarification

February 19, 2004

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority has urged District residents whose homes have lead service lines to flush their taps for 10 minutes to protect against high levels of lead in drinking water. Officials with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have agreed that the longer flushing time will ensure that water left in lead service lines overnight or for long periods is drained off before customers collect water for drinking or cooking.

WASA had previously distributed brochures and stated publicly that residents should flush their taps for about one or two minutes, a guideline based on long-standing EPA recommendations. The original guidelines were actually issued several times, including September 2003. The safety of the District’s water supply is WASA’s top priority and we are working diligently to understand why there has been an increase in lead levels in tap water in some homes. We are committed to discovering the cause of elevated lead levels, identifying solutions, and fixing the problem.

Latest News

Picture of wastewater in the street on Anacostia Ave NE during sanitary sewer overflow

A Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) occurred early this morning, while performing ongoing repairs on the Anacostia Force Main in Northeast DC. At approximately 1:40 a.m. the sewer line experienced a short-term, unexpected surge in flow that exceeded the capacity. Clean-up is underway and is expected to be completed later today. 

logo of wssc water and dc water

With excessive rainfall forecasted for the region DC Water and WSSC Water are actively monitoring weather conditions and implementing mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of a controlled emergency sewage overflow from the Anacostia Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS) in Capitol Heights, Maryland. This action would be taken as a last resort as the agencies work together to protect communities and the environment following the July 20 collapse of the 108-inch diameter Anacostia Sewer Force Main in Northeast Washington, D.C. near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

WSSC Logo and DC Water logo

Weather key factor. Overflow from WSSC Water’s Anacostia Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS) in Capitol Heights into Beaverdam Creek and Anacostia River is last resort. Would protect Northeast D.C. neighborhood after collapse of 108-Inch Diameter Anacostia Sewer Force Main.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of previous rock slide on the slope
DC Water Revises Canal Road Slope Stabilization Plan in Response to Community Feedback

DC Water has revised its slope stabilization plan along Canal Road Northwest to significantly reduce traffic disruptions during construction.

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
September 2, 2025
Tuesday, 10:00 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.