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Since September of 1996, drinking water quality in Washington, DC, has greatly surpassed the requirements of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act . Each month, more than 200 samples are taken from various locations throughout DCWASA's drinking water distribution system. These samples are analyzed for the presence of coliform bacteria, which generally do not cause disease but may indicate the presence of other bacteria.
See the DCWASA 2001 Drinking Water Quality Report [PDF 3.1 MB].
The District's safe drinking water may be attributed to a variety of factors, including the number of significant initiatives either begun or given new life by DCWASA's Board of Directors and its management. One of the things the Board emphasizes is a close and effective partnership among the three agencies responsible for safe drinking water in the District: DCWASA which operates the District's water distribution system; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington Aqueduct which treats the water; and, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the regulatory body that oversees water quality. This goal has been accomplished. Significant ongoing initiatives include:
- Reservoir Cleaning - All District-treated water storage reservoirs have been cleaned and inspected and repairs are being made where needed.
- Flushing Program - In 1997 and 1998, the Authority flushed out 1, 200 miles of service pipes that provide water to virtually every business and residence in the District. As part of this program, which pushes water through the pipes in straight lines at high velocity, DCWASA crews operated about half of the District's hydrants and 30% of its valves. This highly effective program strips away sediment that can act as a home to bacteria.
- Cross Connection Program - Locations where water system facilities and sewers are in close proximity are being systematically addressed by construction projects. Small-diameter valves are being replaced and hydrants that drain into sewers are being removed. These "cross-connections" are being eliminated because, although it is unlikely, they make possible the mingling of contaminated water and drinking water.
- Pipe Rehabilitation - DCWASA is cleaning and relining old pipes in certain sections of the District. This helps minimize bacterial growth in the water distribution system. Virtually all of the older lines - 16 inches and above in diameter - have been cleaned and lined and attention is now shifting to smaller lines.
- New Sampling Program - DCWASA and the Aqueduct worked together to inspect all total coliform rule sampling sites and to make changes in those sites where appropriate. The Aqueduct has also begun using a new technique for performing coliform analysis that cuts turnaround time from two days to 24 hours, allowing faster response if potentially harmful bacteria are detected.
- Fire Hydrant Repair - DCWASA, working in conjunction with the DC Fire Department, has inspected and repaired fire hydrants throughout the city and we have accomplished our goal of having 99% of the District's hydrants fully operational
For further information, contact the Authority's Public Affairs Office at:
Telephone: 202-787-2200 Fax: 202-787-2210 Email: info@dcwasa.com Other useful numbers:
Emergencies: 202-787-2068 Customer Service: 202-354-3600
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© DC Water and Sewer Authority
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