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

DC Water Officials with NPS and ANC commissioners doing ceremonial groundbreaking
DC Water Breaks Ground on Piney Branch Tunnel, Final Phase of DC Clean Rivers Project

Today, DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated.

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Five photos from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) ACE26 conference featuring panel discussions, technical presentations, networking, and attendees posing at the ACE26 display.
ACE26 Highlights: How DC Water Advanced the Conversation on Water
More than 80 DC Water employees joined thousands of water professionals in Washington, D.C., sharing expertise, building partnerships and advancing conversations that will help shape the future of water.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 23, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Jul 25

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.