DC WASA continues its longstanding tradition of producing drinking water that surpasses federal water quality standards: According to recent tests, there’s been no rise in the area’s coliform levels for three consecutive months.

No coliform was not detected in any of the 215 samples analyzed Dec. 27. If there had been a rise in the coliform count, WASA would have been required to notify the Environmental Protection Agency and all WASA customers.

The presence of coliform, naturally occurring bacteria found in soil, vegetation and animals, could serve as an indication that more harmful bacteria may be present in the water.

WASA has surpassed the federal drinking water standard 98 times in the past 99 months – and failed to meet those standards only once in the past eight years. In September, 2004, coliform levels exceeded allowable limits when orthophosphate, a corrosive chemical, was added to the District’s water supply to prevent the lead in lead service pipes from leaching into the water during the warm summer months

Sampling continues next month. The public will be notified of any changes in coliform levels.