Water Quality: Washington, DC
4 water systems • 667,325 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Washington is served by 4 public water systems with a combined service population of 667,325 people, and has 110 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 22 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Washington's violation count is roughly in line with the national average for District of Columbia. Contaminants associated with violations include Bromate, Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli, Fecal Coliform, TTHM.
Contaminants Found
Probable human carcinogen that increases the risk of kidney and thyroid cancers.
Common source: Ozonation of bromide-containing water; used as flour improver
EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Washington
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY | DC0000002 | Surface Water | 632,323 | 22 |
| JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA - BOLLING | DC0000004 | Surface Water | 19,312 | 63 |
| NAVAL STATION WASHINGTON - WNY | DC0000003 | Surface Water | 15,690 | 24 |
| WASHINGTON AQUEDUCT DIVISION. | DC0000001 | Surface Water | 0 | 1 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.