Washington Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Washington tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 126 ppm (7.4 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
7.4 GPG hardness
Lead
Lead data not available
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Washington Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Washington tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
11 contaminants were tested in Washington's water. 11 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 55 ppb — 69% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
Disinfectants — Chloramines is at 3.2 ppm — 80% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
Disinfectants made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Last longer in the distribution system. Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
→ Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramines. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 4 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFPeA at 4.55 ppt.
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.8 ppm (20% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 0 people in the Washington area.
Based on publicly available data from DC Water 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report (2024 data) (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Washington water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure.
How Washington Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
2 ppb
30% below average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
126 ppm
Near average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Detected
33% of cities have detectable PFAS
How Hard is Washington Water?
126 ppm
7.4 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Range: 78–175 ppm
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Washington tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Washington
Lead Test Results
Lead testing data is currently unavailable for Washington. Contact your local water utility for the most recent test results.
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Chloramines
80% of EPA limit
Range: 0.1–4.2 ppm
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
69% of EPA limit
Range: 22–68 ppb
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
58% of EPA limit
Range: 13–55 ppb
Fluoride
20% of EPA limit
Range: 0.7–0.8 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
11 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Fluoride | 0.8 ppm Range: 0.7-0.8 Added by Washington Aqueduct for dental health | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 20% of limit |
Nitrate | 2 ppm Range: 0.3-2 Runoff from Potomac watershed | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 20% of limit |
Sodium | 19 ppm Range: 16-25 No MCL - informational only | N/A | Safe |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 55 ppb Range: 22-68 Highest locational running annual average (LRAA) 2024. Single site range 22-68 ppb. | 80 ppb | Caution 69% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 35 ppb Range: 13-55 Highest locational running annual average (LRAA) 2024. Single site range 13-55 ppb. | 60 ppb | Caution 58% of limit |
Chloramines | 3.2 ppm Range: 0.1-4.2 2024 annual avg 3.2 ppm. Single site max 4.2 ppm slightly above MRDL 4.0. Chloramine used as residual disinfectant (switches to free chlorine each spring). | 4 ppm | Caution 80% of limit |
PFOA | 0.3 ppt Range: 0-2 2024 voluntary monitoring (sensitive method) - avg 0.3 ppt, max 2.0 ppt. Below MCL 4 ppt. UCMR5 showed ND at standard detection limits. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe 8% of limit |
PFOS | 1.7 ppt Range: 0-2.4 2024 voluntary monitoring - avg 1.7 ppt, max 2.4 ppt. Below MCL 4 ppt. | 4 ppt 0 | Safe 43% of limit |
PFBS | 0.6 ppt Range: 0-2.6 2024 voluntary monitoring - avg 0.6 ppt. Part of Hazard Index (with PFNA, HFPO-DA) = 0.001, well below limit of 1. | N/A | Safe |
PFPeA | 4.55 ppt Range: 0-4.7 UCMR5 2024 - detected at Dalecarlia (4.4 ppt) and McMillan (4.7 ppt) connections. No MCL. | N/A | Safe |
PFHxA | 3.1 ppt Range: 0-3.1 UCMR5 2024 - detected at McMillan connection (3.1 ppt). No MCL. | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Washington's Water?
Utility Name
DC Water
EPA System ID (PWSID)
DC0000001
Population Served
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Washington tap water quality
Nearby Cities in DC
View all DC citiesThis data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: DC Water 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report (2024 data) (2024) • View report