WASHINGTON — After announcing on Friday that parts of the District are under a Boil Water Advisory, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) is collecting and testing water samples in parts of Northwest and Northeast.
The first round of samples were collected Friday evening and are currently being processed. The second round of samples were collected Saturday morning. DC Water collected samples from seven locations in Northwest and Northeast.
After two consecutive days of clear samples, the advisory will be lifted, which could be on Sunday.
DC Water issued the Boil Water Advisory after a temporary loss of water pressure on Friday. Pressure was restored Friday afternoon, and the cause of the loss is still under investigation.
The loss of water pressure could result in fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms getting into the system, and pose a health risk. The advisory was issued as a precaution, DC Water says.
Contaminated water can lead to viruses and parasites that can cause symptoms including diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms and pose a health risk to infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.
Areas affected by the advisory
Click here to see the interactive map of affected areas or call the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 to determine if you are in the impact area of this advisory.
Customers who live outside of the impacted areas are clear to use water as normal, DC Water says.
What to do during a Boil Water Advisory
If you live in an impacted area, DC Water says to boil any water before using it to drink or cook.
Customers in the impact area should follow this guidance:
- Discard any beverages and ice made before Friday, January 19, 2024 at 11 am.
- Run cold water until clear (if discolored) prior to boiling.
- Run cold water for 2 minutes if known sources of lead are present prior to boiling.
- Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute and let it cool.
- Store cooled water in a clean, covered container.
Cooled, boiled water or bottled water should be used for:
• Drinking
• Brushing teeth
• Preparing and cooking food
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Preparing infant formula
• Making ice
• Giving water to pets
*Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiled or bottled water.
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