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Message from EPA Regional Administrator
May 2008
Welcome to the Mid-Atlantic Region's web site dedicated to the important public health issue of lead in District of Columbia drinking water. Since the addition of orthophosphate in August 2004, lead levels in the District's water have decreased overall and DC WASA has achieved the federal lead action level for six consecutive six-month monitoring periods. In May 2006, the extended flushing and water filtering advisory was lifted. Even with these positive developments, a tremendous amount of work continues, including:
- Extensive water quality monitoring and distribution system flushing throughout the District
- DC WASA's commitment to voluntarily replace all lead service lines in public space within the next 10 years
- Continuation of research on lead corrosion and continued collaboration among members of the Technical Expert Working Group (TEWG) comprised of WASA, the Washington Aqueduct, EPA, the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment in the District of Columbia, and other organizations
In addition to these District-specific activities, EPA has finalized short-term revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule. These changes, finalized in October 2007, are part of a larger Agency review of lead and copper regulations.
Over the past four years, a remarkable amount of progress has been made in the area of understanding lead corrosion and the particular situation in the District. I want to assure you that EPA continues its dedication to these issues. As a national agency, we continue to share the lessons learned with other metropolitan water suppliers who are carrying out their obligations under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Please click on the links on the left side of this page (Newsroom, Frequent Questions, etc.) for direct access to other online information resources. I hope that you will check back often for updates and that this web site will serve as a valuable resource to you.
If you have any questions or concerns that you'd like us to reply to, please be in touch with our Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or e-mail us by using the "Contact Us" e-mail feature at the top and bottom of this page.
Donald S. Welsh
Regional Administrator
