Getting  the  Lead                —
         out of  DC   Drinking  Water

In August, a new treatment will begin to help reduce lead in DC's drinking water. We will monitor the water closely throughout the process.
One thing you might see is reddish water. It's not dangerous. If you see red water, follow these steps.

Reddish Water in the Short Term
Red water is rusty water. The treatment for lead could free some rust
from the pipes, and rust can make the water look red or brown.
  If You See "Red Water":
  DO NOT drink or cook with it.
                           UN the COLD water until
                           is clear.
    '11
12
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  WEDI
If the water is not clear in 10 minutes, TURN
OFF the tap for 30 minutes. RUN the COLD
water for 10 more minutes.
                          If the water is clear, it is OK
                          to drink and cook with it.
Continue to Reduce Lead in Your Water
It may take up to 6 months or longer for the
treatment to start working. We will keep you
informed. In the meantime,

Homes with Lead Service Lines should:

4 ALWAYS run the water for 10 minutes before
 drinking or cooking with it. Showering or washing
 clothes counts, but you should then flush the
 kitchen faucet for 60 seconds.
4 Use that same faucet to store some clear water in
 your refrigerator.
4 Pregnant and nursing women and children under 6
 should only drink filtered tap water. Flush the water
 for 10 minutes before using your home filter.

All Homes should:

4 Run the tap for 60 seconds before drinking or
 cooking with water.
4 Use only COLD water for drinking or cooking.
4 Remove and clean the screen on your faucet
 regularly.
4 Boiling water will not remove lead!
  If the water is still not clear, call
  WASA's 24-hour emergency
  services line at 202/612-3400.
                       WASA's
                   24-hour emergency
                     services line:
                   202/612-3400
     V
              DO NOT use HOT water until the COLD
              water runs clear - rust can sit in your hot
              water heater.

              DO NOT wash laundry until the water runs
              clear — "red water" can stain your clothes
  For people with iron-related problems, such as
  hemochromatosis, extra iron could be a problem. Talk to your
  doctor.
                                     For more information:
                                     U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline	800/426-4791
                                     D.C. Water and Sewer Authority	202/787-2732
                                     D.C. Department of Health	202/671-0733
                                     U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
                                      Washington Aqueduct	202/764-2753
                                                           GOVIWWNT OFTHi OUTHCTOfCOlUIWlA
                                                     DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
                                                                   U.S. Army Corps
                                                                   of Engineers

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