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

Rock Creek Trail Site for Potomac River Tunnel Project
Ground Stabilization Work Begins Near Watergate Complex, starting Aug 25

Starting the week of August 25, DC Water will take another big step forward in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. Ground stabilization will begin at the Rock Creek Trail site, near the Watergate Complex, to drill secant piles that will form a retaining wall for the drop shaft.

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
September 2, 2025
Tuesday, 10:00 AM

Upcoming Events

Sep 3
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sep 6
Sep 12
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. 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.