Is Fort Wingate, DC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Fort Wingate, DC — Water Quality Report
Fort Wingate's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Wingate's water
Fort Wingate ranks #1 out of 6 cities in District of Columbia for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Fort Wingate relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Fort Wingate may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Wingate, DC water safe to drink?
Fort Wingate's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Wingate
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Wingate's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Wingate's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Wingate's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Fort Wingate's water come from?
Fort Wingate's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dead Run (river), Potomac River (river), Rock Creek (river), Luzon Branch Above Rock Creek At Washington (river), Paint Branch (river).
What Fort Wingate residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Wingate's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Wingate compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Wingate ranks among all District of Columbia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Wingate's water comes from
Fort Wingate's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by federal ownership and serves approximately 800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fort Wingate
Fort Wingate is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fort Wingate
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wingate Elementary School (New) - BIE | 093534022 | 800 | GW |
How Fort Wingate compares
Full District of Columbia rankings →Fort Wingate's score of 86.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major District of Columbia cities. It outscores 4 of 5 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View District of Columbia rankings →About Fort Wingate, DC
Wikipedia →Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia and commonly known as simply Washington or D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River across from Virginia and shares land borders with Maryland to its north and east. It was named after George Washington, a Founding Father and the first president of the United States. The district is named for Columbia, the female personification of the nation, through which human form and attributes are applied to the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Wingate's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Wingate, DC tap water safe to drink?
Fort Wingate's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #1 out of 6 cities tested in District of Columbia.
What contaminants are in Fort Wingate's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Fort Wingate's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Fort Wingate?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Wingate's water come from?
Fort Wingate's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
Is Fort Wingate's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Wingate uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 9 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Fort Wingate's water compare to other cities?
Fort Wingate ranks #1 out of 6 cities in District of Columbia (better than 83% of state cities) and #4793 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fort Wingate's small water system affect quality?
Fort Wingate's system serves approximately 800 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 9 violations on record.