Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Washington School District (DC): 1644 Health Violations

274 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · 173,256,502 people served · Updated 2026-06-03

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-03

C · 69
Avg Safety Score
274
ZIP Codes
4
Water Systems
9042
Violations (5yr)
0.001 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
264
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 Washington School District in District of Columbia spans 274 ZIP codes served by 4 community water systems, providing water to approximately 173,256,502 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (69/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 62/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 53% 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 274 —

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 264 of 274 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

1644 health-based violations recorded across 274 of 274 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 1644 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 2466 Yes 274
E. coli Microbiological 1918 Yes 274
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 1096 No 274
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 1096 No 274
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 822 Yes 274
Lead Inorganic 548 No 274
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 548 No 274
Copper Inorganic 274 No 274

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
20013 Washington C (69) 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
20022 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20023 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20024 Washington B (72) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20026 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20027 Washington B (72) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20029 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20030 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20032 Washington B (72) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20033 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20035 Washington C (69) 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
20038 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20039 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20040 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20041 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20042 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20043 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20044 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20045 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20046 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20047 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20049 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20050 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20051 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20052 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20053 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20055 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20056 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20057 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20058 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20059 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20060 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20061 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20062 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20063 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20064 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20065 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20066 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20067 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20068 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20069 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20070 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20071 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20073 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20074 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20075 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20076 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20077 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20078 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20080 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20081 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20082 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20088 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20090 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20091 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20097 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20098 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20201 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20202 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20203 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20204 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20206 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20207 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20208 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20210 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20211 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20212 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20213 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20214 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20215 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20216 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20217 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20218 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20219 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20220 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20221 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20222 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20223 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20224 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20226 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20227 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20228 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20229 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20230 Washington B (72) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20232 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20233 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20235 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20237 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20238 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20239 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20240 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20241 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20242 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20244 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
20251 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20252 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20254 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20260 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20261 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20262 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20265 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20266 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20268 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20270 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20277 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20289 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20299 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20301 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20303 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20306 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20307 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20310 Washington B (72) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20314 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20317 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20318 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20319 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20330 Washington B (72) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20340 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20350 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20355 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20370 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20372 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20375 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20380 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20389 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20390 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20392 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20393 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20394 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20395 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20401 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20402 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20403 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20404 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20405 Washington B (72) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20406 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20407 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20408 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20409 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20410 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20411 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20412 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20413 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20414 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20415 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20416 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20417 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20418 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20419 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20420 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20421 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20422 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20423 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20424 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20425 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20426 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20427 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20428 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20429 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20431 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20433 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20434 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20435 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20436 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20437 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20439 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20440 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20441 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20442 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20444 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20447 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20451 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20453 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20456 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20460 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20463 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20468 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20469 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20470 Washington B (72) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20472 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20500 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20501 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20502 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20503 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20504 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20505 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20506 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20507 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20508 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20509 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20510 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20511 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
20521 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20522 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20523 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20524 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20525 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20526 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20527 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20528 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20529 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20530 Washington B (72) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20531 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20532 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20533 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20534 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20535 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20536 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20537 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20538 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20539 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20540 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20541 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20542 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20543 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20544 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20546 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20547 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20548 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20549 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20551 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20552 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20553 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20554 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20555 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20557 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20558 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20559 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
20570 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20571 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20572 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20573 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20575 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20576 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20577 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20578 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20579 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20580 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20581 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20585 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20586 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20590 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20591 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20593 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20594 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20597 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No
20599 Washington C (69) 33 6 0.001 mg/L No

What Parents Can Do

  1. 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.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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 Washington School District schools?

Water systems serving Washington School District have recorded 1644 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 Washington School District 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 Washington School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 264 of 274 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

Updated daily.

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