#Update. 8:39am (Thursday, July 4, 2024) – The precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted for all customers in DC and Arlington County. DC Water advises tap water can now be used for all purposes after it was confirmed that drinking water provided by the Washington Aqueduct never deviated from U.S. EPA established water quality standards as had been anticipated.

Washington, D.C. (July 4, 2024) – The District of Columbia and Arlington County have issued a precautionary boil water advisory for customers. The advisory urges all customers in DC and Arlington County to boil water for at least 1 minute before drinking or cooking. The advisory is in effect until further notice.

The Army Corps of Engineers saw increased cloudiness – called turbidity in water taken from the Washington aqueduct, which services the District and Arlington. Officials say turbidity could provide a medium for microbes to grow and could indicate the presence of disease causing organisms.

The advisory also impacts the Pentagon, Reagan National Airport, and Arlington National Cemetery.

Officials say water should be brought to boiling hot for one minute before cooling and storing in a clean covered container. DC Water is also advising its customers to discard any beverages and ice made after 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Bottled water can be used for drinking, preparing food for cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing infant formula, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and giving water to pets.

The advisory is in place until the all clear is given. DC residents can visit www.dcwater.com