F5/100
D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 632,323 people · District of Columbia
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
County
—
System ID
DC0000002
Violations
33
Contaminant Test Results
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 410.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2023 – January 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2023 – January 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Frequently Asked Questions About D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
Is D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY water safe to drink?
D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY water receives a grade of F (5/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 33 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY detected?
76 contaminants were tested in D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY have any EPA violations?
Yes, D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY has 33 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 14 are health-based violations.
How many people does D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY serve?
D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY serves approximately 632,323 people, District of Columbia.
What type of water does D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY provide?
D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY sources its water from purchased surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is DC0000002.
How does D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY compare to other utilities in District of Columbia?
D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY scores 5/100 with a grade of F (failing). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our District of Columbia state page for a full comparison of water systems.