Testing for Total Chromium is Regulated by the EPA

The Washington Aqueduct is responsible for drinking water treatment and regulatory testing for total chromium which includes chromium-3 and chromium-6. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for total chromium is 100 parts per billion (ppb).

In February 2011, DC Water and the Washington Aqueduct began voluntarily testing for chromium-6 on a quarterly schedule. DC Water collects samples from eight sites in the District's distribution system. The Washington Aqueduct collects samples from the source water and finished treated water. In 2014, as part of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3, DC Water reported sample results for total chromium and chromium-6. These results can be found at in the emerging compounds section of our website and on the EPA's website.

Chromium Monitoring Results (part per billion)
Sampling Date Feb 2011 Apr 2011 Aug 2011 Nov 2011 Feb 2012 May 2012 Aug 2012 Nov 2012 Feb 2013 May 2013 Aug 2013 Nov 2013
Chromium-6 Minimum 0.07 0.00 0.04 0.03 0.08 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.06
Maximum 0.09 0.14 0.06 0.09 0.11 0.09 0.10 0.07 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.09
Average 0.07 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.09 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.06 0.08

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

View of Mary at bottom of shaft inside tunnel shown from above
DC Water Launches Tunnel Boring Machine Mary, Marking Important Step for Potomac River Tunnel Project

First turn of cutterhead signals the start of excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project

In a defining moment for one of the District’s largest infrastructure investments, DC Water has marked its next major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The first tunnel boring machine, Mary, has launched her northbound journey breaking through the soil to signal the start of excavation.

With the first turn of Mary’s drill-like cutterhead underground, the machine pushed forward to begin tunneling, representing the transition from years of planning and preparation to active tunnel construction on the $819 million project.

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
April 15, 2026
Wednesday, 9:30 AM

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.