Lead in District of Columbia Drinking Water
Ranked by 90th percentile lead level (ppb) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR
Lead in District of Columbia: what the data shows
District of Columbia has 6 cities with lead monitoring data, with no cities exceeding the EPA action level of 15 ppb. The state average 90th percentile lead level is 1.6 ppb, compared to 3.3 ppb nationally — better than the national average. No cities in District of Columbia currently exceed the 15 ppb lead action level. However, even levels below the action level can pose health risks, particularly for infants and young children. If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your tap water directly. The 90th percentile measurement means that 90% of tap samples in a city are at or below the reported level. This is the standard EPA uses under the Lead and Copper Rule to determine if a water system needs to take corrective action. An NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter can effectively remove lead at the tap.
Cities exceeding 15 ppb EPA Action Level
Lead data across District of Columbia
Each dot is a city, colored by overall water quality grade. Cities with lead levels above the 15 ppb EPA action level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.
Top 10 cities by lead level in District of Columbia
All District of Columbia cities ranked by lead level
| # | City | Level | Level | Exceeds? | Violations | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Wingate | 3.2 ppb | No | 0 | A- | |
| 2 | Fort Wingate | 3.2 ppb | No | 0 | A- | |
| 3 | Washington | 2.0 ppb | No | 32 | F | |
| 4 | Ft. Wingate Elementary School | 0.5 ppb | No | 1 | B+ | |
| 5 | Ft. Wingate Elementary School | 0.5 ppb | No | 1 | B+ | |
| 6 | Salem | 0.0 ppb | No | 2 | B+ |
Frequently asked questions about lead in District of Columbia
Is lead in District of Columbia tap water a concern?
Currently, no cities in District of Columbia exceed the 15 ppb EPA lead action level. The state average is 1.6 ppb. Even below the action level, lead poses health risks especially for children and pregnant women. If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your tap water directly.
How can I reduce lead exposure from District of Columbia tap water?
Use an NSF 53-certified water filter, which is specifically certified to reduce lead. Run your cold tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, especially if water has been sitting in pipes for hours. Never use hot tap water for cooking or making baby formula, as heat increases lead leaching from pipes.
Which District of Columbia cities have the highest lead levels?
The cities with the highest 90th percentile lead levels in District of Columbia are: Fort Wingate (3.2 ppb), Fort Wingate (3.2 ppb), Washington (2.0 ppb), Ft. Wingate Elementary School (0.5 ppb), Ft. Wingate Elementary School (0.5 ppb). See the full ranked table above.