Washington, District of Columbia — Thousands of residents across several Northwest Washington neighborhoods have been placed under a Boil Water Advisory after a loss of water pressure raised concerns about potential contamination within the water distribution system.
According to DC Water, approximately 5,000 customers are affected by the precautionary advisory, which was issued Friday afternoon following reports of unusually low water pressure.
Water Pressure Issues Prompt Emergency Advisory
Officials said the advisory was issued after multiple customers contacted DC Water around noon to report low or no water pressure in parts of Northwest DC.
Investigators confirmed pressure problems at several locations and soon linked the issue to power fluctuations at the Fort Reno pumping station.
According to DC Water, the pumping station experienced power disruptions before suffering a complete outage at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Power was restored roughly an hour later, but officials said the pressure loss required immediate precautionary measures while water quality testing is conducted.
“This advisory will remain in place until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe to drink,” DC Water said.
Neighborhoods Impacted by Advisory
The advisory affects portions of multiple upper Northwest DC neighborhoods, including:
- AU Park
- Cathedral Heights
- Chevy Chase DC
- Cleveland Park
- Friendship Heights
- Glover Park
- Spring Valley
- Tenleytown
- Van Ness
- Wesley Heights
- Woodley Park
Residents and businesses in these communities are encouraged to verify whether their address is affected using DC Water’s service map or by contacting the utility directly.
Residents Urged to Boil Water Before Use
Until testing is complete, officials are advising customers to avoid drinking tap water without first boiling it.
Residents should also avoid using unboiled tap water for cooking, preparing beverages, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, making ice or preparing infant formula.
Officials recommend:
- Discarding drinks and ice made after noon Friday
- Running cold water until it becomes clear if discoloration is present
- Boiling water for at least one minute before use
- Allowing boiled water to cool before storing it in a clean container
- Providing pets with boiled and cooled water
DC Water also warned residents not to rely on standard household water filters as a substitute for boiling or bottled water.
Health Risks Under Investigation
Officials stressed that the advisory is precautionary and that there is currently no evidence showing contamination has occurred.
However, water pressure losses can create conditions that allow harmful bacteria or contaminants to enter the distribution system.
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“We have no information that the water was contaminated by this incident but issue this advisory as a precaution while we test the water,” the utility said.
Potential contaminants can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, headaches and other illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Infants, young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems may face a greater risk if contamination is present.
Testing Continues as Crews Search for Cause
DC Water officials say crews are continuing to investigate what caused the pressure loss and the pumping station power disruptions.
The advisory will remain active until laboratory testing confirms that water samples are free from bacteria on two consecutive days.
Officials indicated that the earliest the advisory could be lifted is Sunday, depending on test results. Until then, residents in affected neighborhoods are urged to continue following all safety recommendations.
Are you affected by the advisory, or have you experienced water pressure issues in your area? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
