DC Water is working in partnership with customers and the community to improve the quality and safety of drinking water. We are committed to promoting good health in the District by encouraging individuals to replace lead service lines.

There are numerous health effects caused by lead exposure, including irreversible interference to brain and nervous system development. There is no safe amount of lead exposure. While lead is harmful to all ages, children under 6 and women who are pregnant are at a higher risk. This is a joint effort, and we need you, the customer, and the community help us identify and remove sources of lead from the water supply. We have several tools and resources to help remove lead risk.

What is DC Water doing to remove lead?

• Meeting or exceeding all Federal Requirements    DC Water consistently provides drinking water to our customers that meets or exceeds these federal regulations under the The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). In fact, DC Water voluntarily sets goals to make sure our drinking water meets water quality levels that are much stricter than those required by the EPA. We do this because the safety of our customers is our first priority.   
• Using Corrosion Control and pH adjustment to reduce potential lead exposure   
• Using Comprehensive Testing Programs   
  • Regulatory Compliance testing   
  • Annual Water Quality Reports   
• Lead Free DC Initiative   
• Lead Service line Replacement Program
• DC Water is part of the DC Council's Lead Task Force. Learn more about the task force, and the interagency planning for removing lead service lines here.