Thousands of people in several D.C. neighborhoods still don’t have access to clean tap water. News4’s Shomari Stone shows how people are getting by while their pipes are getting flushed.
A boil water advisory in effect for parts of Northeast Washington, D.C., will continue through at least Sunday after a test of the water showed some bacterial contamination.
DC Water issued the advisory on Thursday after a pipe leak caused a drop in water pressure, which can sometimes lead to elevated levels of E. coli or coliform bacteria.
Neighborhoods at risk include Brookland, Edgewood, Fort Lincoln, Michigan Park, North Michigan Park, Queens Chapel and Woodridge.
DC Water said Friday it collected water samples at 10 locations in the impacted area and all of the samples were negative for E.coli while nine of the samples were negative for coliform bacteria.
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However, one sample tested positive for coliform bacteria, DC Water said, which extends the advisory through at least Sunday. Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present, according to DC Water.
This advisory will remain in effect until DC Water has two consecutive days of negative bacteria sample results to confirm water quality was not compromised in the impacted area of the advisory.
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Residents in affected areas should only ingest tap water after it’s been boiled for one minute or use bottled water. Only boiled tap water should be used for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, watering pets or preparing food and infant formula.
DC Boil Water Advisory Map
The area impacted is east of North Capitol Street, west of Eastern Avenue, south of New Hampshire Avenue and north of New York Avenue, DC Water said.
To see if your home, day care or workplace is affected, check your address using this map or call DC Water’s 24-Hour Command Center (202) 612-3400.
The area includes the Providence Health System, HSC Pediatric System, Howard University School of Divinity and some buildings on the Catholic University campus.
Along Monroe Street near Catholic University, a Potbelly Sandwich Shop temporarily closed due to the water problems, and employees at a nearby Starbucks wondered whether they would need to shut down early.
DC Water customers outside the area shown in red do not need to boil their water, officials say.
During a previous boil water advisory in 2018, D.C. officials said it is safe to shower and breastfeed.
To make sure tap water is safe, bring it to a roiling boil for one minute, then let it cool. A home filtering device is not suitable for this purpose, DC Water said.
DC Water said residents of the affected area should also:
- Discard any beverages and ice made before and during this advisory.
- 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.
- Store cooled water in a clean, covered container.
Here's an FAQ with more information from DC Water.
Crews repairing a pipe leak near 13th Street and Spring Road NW Wednesday afternoon closed valves, then some customers reported a loss of water pressure. The pressure was restored within an hour, DC Water said.
The loss of pressure may have allowed “bacteria or other disease-causing organisms” to enter pipes.
Bacteria or other contaminants could cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms, and pose a greater risk or babies, young children, some elderly people and people with severely compromised immune systems, DC Water said. If you feel sick and symptoms persist, call a doctor.
D.C. previously was under a boil water advisory in July 2018 that affected a large area and an estimated 34,000 DC Water customers. The advisory was lifted after two days.
Stay with News4 for more on this developing story
