Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

District of Columbia Public Schools (DC): 330 Health Violations

57 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · 36,042,411 people served · Updated 2026-06-26

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-26

C · 68

Avg Safety Score

ZIP Codes

Water Systems

1815

Violations (5yr)

0.001 mg/L

Avg Lead Level

ZIPs with PFAS

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The District of Columbia Public Schools in District of Columbia spans 57 ZIP codes served by 4 community water systems, providing water to approximately 36,042,411 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (68/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 50/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 52% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

Lead exposure — Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") — Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
Nitrate — Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
Disinfection byproducts — Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric	Value	EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile)	0.001 mg/L	0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level	0.001 mg/L	0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level	0 of 57	—

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 57 of 57 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFBS.

Highest measured level: 0.007 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

330 health-based violations recorded across 55 of 57 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 330 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant	Category	Violations	Health-Based	ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule	Reporting	495	Yes	55
E. coli	Microbiological	385	Yes	55
Surface Water Treatment Rule	Treatment Technique	220	No	55
Lead and Copper Rule	Treatment Technique	220	No	55
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)	Disinfection Byproducts	165	Yes	55
Lead	Inorganic	110	No	55
Stage 1 DBP Rule	Treatment Technique	110	No	55
Copper	Inorganic	55	No	55

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code	City	Safety Score	Violations	Health	Lead Level	Exceeds?
20001	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20002	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20003	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20004	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20005	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20006	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20007	Washington	C (62)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20008	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20009	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20010	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20011	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20012	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20015	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20016	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20017	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20018	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20019	Washington	C (62)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20020	Washington	C (67)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20024	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20032	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20036	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20037	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20045	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20052	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20057	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20059	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20064	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20204	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20220	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20230	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20240	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20245	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20250	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20260	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20317	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20319	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20390	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20408	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20415	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20418	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20422	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20427	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20431	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20510	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20515	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20520	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20530	Washington	B (72)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20535	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20540	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20542	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20551	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20560	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20565	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20566	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20591	Washington	C (69)	33	6	0.001 mg/L	No
20373	Naval Anacost Annex	D (50)	0	0	—	—
20388	Washington Navy Yard	D (50)	0	0	—	—

What Parents Can Do

Request lead testing at your child's school — The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
Address PFAS — If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
Pack water from home — If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
Stay informed — Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in District of Columbia Public Schools schools?

Water systems serving District of Columbia Public Schools have recorded 330 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does District of Columbia Public Schools test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in District of Columbia Public Schools water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 57 of 57 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
School districts: NCES EDGE Geographic Relationship Files
PFAS: EPA ECHO
Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones

Updated daily.

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