DC Water Issues Precautionary Boil Water Advisory

July 13, 2018
Reduced map

UPDATE July 14, 12:50 pm: The affected area has been reduced. We are in the process of updating the interactive map but the image above shows the new impacted area.

UPDATE July 13, 2:00 pm: Please note that an new interactive map is now available for customers to use to see if they are in the affected area: Boil Water Map

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) advises customers to boil their water for cooking and drinking until further notice if they live within the area that is bounded by the following:

* The north is bounded by Western Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue to Nebraska Avenue to Military Rd to Missouri to New Hampshire Avenue.  
* To the east by Eastern Avenue  
* To the South by New York Ave to K St to Whitehurst Freeway, and  
* To the west by Canal Road to the Clara Barton Pkwy.  
Map of Affected Area:  
https://www.dcwater.com/sites/default/files/2nd%20High%20Boil%20Water%20Area_V2.pdf  

They should also boil their water if they experienced low water pressure or had no water after 8:30 p.m. on July 12. If customers do not have water service, they are advised to boil water when service is restored. If customers did not experience low water pressure and do not live in the affected area, customers do not need to boil their water.  

On Thursday, July 12, at approximately 8:30 p.m., an open valve at Bryant Street Pumping Station resulted in a loss of pressure in portions of our distribution system for about an hour. A loss of pressure in the pipe system makes it possible for contaminants to enter the water. Due to this loss of pressure, as a precaution, affected customers are advised to boil their water until further notice. To minimize risk, customers should follow the instructions outlined below.  

Customers should:  

* If water is discolored, run the tap until clear, prior to boiling.  
* Bring water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes.  
* Allow water to cool before using.  
* Store cooled water in a clean container with a cover.  

Customers should use cooled, boiled water or bottled water for:  

* Drinking  
* Brushing teeth  
* Preparing and cooking food  
* Making ice  
* Preparing infant formula  
* Giving water to pets

 The valve problem was corrected and pressure has been restored. Our teams will continue to test samples of the water and we will lift the advisory when we determine the water is safe. Customers will be notified immediately when the advisory is lifted. If you are concerned about your health or the health of your family, please consult your health care provider. Please share this information with everyone who drinks this water, especially those who may not receive this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).  

For more information, visit www.dcwater.com or read the FAQs at https://www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ. You may also contact DC Water Customer Service at 202.354.3600 or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202.612.3400.

Latest News

Graphic saying BWA lifted and listing areas and map 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

** Advisory is Lifted as of 9:00 P.M., June 6, 2026**

DC Water has lifted the precautionary Boil Water Advisory for parts of Upper Northwest DC after testing confirmed the water is safe to drink. All customers in the impacted area may use tap water for all purposes after following the instructions provided below.

Map of impacted areas in Upper Northwest areas in  Chevy Chase DC, Friendship Heights, Tenleytown, AU Park, Spring Valley, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Van Ness, Glover Park, Wesley Heights, and Cathedral Heights

Impacted neighborhoods include areas of Chevy Chase DC, Friendship Heights, Tenleytown, AU Park, Spring Valley, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Van Ness, Glover Park, Wesley Heights, and Cathedral Heights

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) issued a Boil Water Advisory today for some customers in Northwest DC that experienced a loss of water pressure on Friday, June 5, 2026, impacting 4,970 customers.

(L) Jesse Hillman, Chief Information Officer (R) Ernest Tuckett, Chief Legal Officer

Today, DC Water CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis announced the appointment of two senior leaders to the Authority’s senior executive team: Jesse Hillman as Chief Information Officer and Ernest ...

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 18, 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.