Set Up DC Water and Request a Free Lead Test Kit

Just closed on a home in Washington, DC and sorting out utilities? Water is one of the first things to set up, and it is also a smart time to confirm your home’s drinking water safety. Older DC properties can have lead in service lines or plumbing, and public health guidance says no level of lead is considered safe. This guide shows you how to start DC Water service, check your home’s service line status, and request a free lead test kit so you can move in with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Start DC Water service

Getting your DC Water account squared away ensures billing is in your name and opens the door to customer resources, including lead testing support.

• Create your account. Use DC Water’s online portal or call customer service to identify yourself as the new owner and start service under your name.
• Provide documentation. Be ready to share proof of ownership and identification. The exact documents can change, so follow DC Water’s current instructions.
• Confirm service status and meter details. Ask if service is active and whether a meter read or appointment is needed at your property.

Once your account is active, you can access notices, request testing, and learn about line replacement options if needed.

Why lead testing matters in DC

In older cities like DC, lead can enter drinking water from lead service lines, older plumbing or fixtures, and leaded solder. Federal and health authorities agree there is no safe level of lead exposure. For background and practical guidance, review the EPA’s overview on lead in drinking water and the CDC’s lead safety information.

• Read the EPA’s lead basics to understand how lead can enter water and why testing helps. You can start with the EPA’s page on lead and their Lead and Copper Rule framework, which guides utility actions.
• See the CDC’s information on health effects and precautions, especially if your household includes young children or pregnant people.

According to the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, utilities track service line materials and sample water to protect public health. Your best move as a new homeowner is to check your address in DC Water’s inventory and, if needed, test.

Check your address on DC Water’s lead map

DC Water maintains a public inventory and mapping tool showing known or suspected service line materials by address. It helps you understand potential risk and what steps to take next.

• Search for your address on DC Water’s lead information page. The map or inventory will label lines as lead, non-lead, or unknown.
• Know the two sides of a service line. The public side runs from the water main to the property line. The private side runs from the curb to your house. The map may list materials for one side or both, and some private-side records are incomplete.
• If you see lead or unknown. Treat that as a prompt to request a free lead test kit and talk to DC Water about options.

Remember, the map is an inventory tool. It is not a water quality test, so when in doubt, order a kit.

Request a free lead test kit

DC Water has historically offered free lead testing to customers, and many utilities cover the lab analysis for eligible properties. Availability and eligibility can change, so confirm current details on DC Water’s lead page. Here is what to expect:

• Request a kit. Submit a request online or by phone. Provide your service address and contact information.
• Receive your kit. You will get sample bottles, step-by-step instructions, a form to fill out, and prepaid return packaging or drop-off instructions.
• Collect your sample. Most kits use a first-draw sample from the kitchen tap after the water has sat unused for several hours. Follow your kit’s timing window exactly.
• Return and wait for results. Ship or drop off the sample as instructed. Typical lab turnaround is 1 to 4 weeks. You will receive results directly from DC Water or the lab.

If your map shows lead or unknown, or if you simply want peace of mind, requesting a kit is a smart move. You can start with DC Water’s lead program page and follow the instructions for testing.

How to take a first-draw sample

Sampling is simple but precise. Follow the instructions in your kit exactly so your results are valid.

• Let the water sit. Do not use the kitchen tap for at least 6 hours, often overnight.
• Use cold water only. Do not use hot water for drinking or testing because it can leach lead more readily.
• Prepare the faucet. Remove the aerator if your kit instructs you to. Do not flush the tap unless the directions tell you to.
• Fill the bottle. Turn on the cold tap and fill the sample container immediately to the marked line.
• Complete the form. Sign and date the chain-of-custody and label everything clearly.
• Return promptly. Follow the shipping or drop-off steps in your kit.

Read your results and plan next steps

Your results will report lead concentration in parts per billion, or ppb. Two points guide what to do next:

• Public health guidance. There is no known safe level of lead exposure. Extra caution is recommended for infants, young children, and pregnant people.
• Regulatory benchmark. The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule uses an action level of 15 ppb to trigger utility actions. Your home’s result is one point in time, so use it to guide action rather than assume a permanent condition.

If your results show detectable lead

Take immediate precautions and start working toward a durable fix.

• Use only cold water for drinking and cooking. Never use hot tap water for consumption.
• Consider bottled water or a certified point-of-use filter. Look for filters certified for lead reduction to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58.
• Contact DC Water and the District for solutions. Ask about lead service line replacement for public and private sides and any funding support. Start with DC Water’s lead information, the DOEE’s lead programs page, and CDC guidance on protecting your household.
• Retest after changes. If you replace a line or install a filter, consider follow-up testing to confirm improvement.

If your results are nondetectable or very low

Keep simple precautions in place for older plumbing and recheck periodically.

• If water has been sitting, run cold water for a short time before drinking or cooking.
• Avoid using hot tap water for drinking or cooking.
• Retest if you do plumbing work or after major changes to your system.

Understand replacement responsibility

Service line ownership is split. Utilities typically own the portion from the main to the property line and the homeowner owns the line from the curb to the house. Policies and funding for private-side replacement vary by jurisdiction. In DC, review current program details with DC Water and DOEE and ask about schedules, cost coverage, and any priority criteria for full replacement.

Save your documentation

Keep copies of your map lookup, kit paperwork, chain-of-custody form, and lab results. These records help you track changes over time and can be useful in future sales disclosures or when coordinating replacement work.

Quick checklist for new DC homeowners

• Set up your DC Water account and confirm meter status.
• Look up your address on DC Water’s lead information and inventory page.
• If status shows lead or unknown, request a free lead test kit.
• Follow first-draw sampling instructions exactly and return the kit.
• Review results and use cold water only for consumption. Consider bottled water or a certified filter if lead is detected.
• Contact DC Water and DOEE about replacement programs and funding.
• Retest after any plumbing work or mitigation.

Local resources to bookmark

• Learn the basics of lead in water from the Environmental Protection Agency. Start with the EPA’s lead overview and review the Lead and Copper Rule framework for how utilities manage risk.
• Review health guidance and household precautions on the CDC’s lead page.
• Find DC program details, testing information, and the service line inventory on DC Water’s lead page.
• Explore assistance and policy updates on the District’s Department of Energy & Environment lead programs page.

Moving in soon? We can help

If you are navigating move-in steps across utilities, inspections, and disclosures, you do not have to do it alone. Hoyos Real Estate helps buyers and sellers across the DC metro manage details like utility setup timelines, vendor referrals, and safety checks so you can settle in smoothly. Reach out to discuss your goals and get a local game plan tailored to your home.

FAQs

DC move-in: Can DC Water turn my service on when I buy a home?

• Yes. You typically need to register a new account with DC Water so billing is in your name and service status is confirmed for your move-in date.

Lead lines in DC: How can I tell if my home has one?

• Look up your address in DC Water’s service line inventory and map; if it shows lead or unknown, request a test to confirm.

Free lead test kit in DC: Is it actually free?

• DC Water has historically covered the kit and lab analysis when offered as a public program, but you should confirm current eligibility and process on DC Water’s site.

Lead test results timing in DC: How long does it take?

• Typical turnaround from the lab is about 1 to 4 weeks, depending on demand and program specifics.

Above 15 ppb in DC: What should I do next?

• Use bottled water or a certified filter immediately, use only cold water for cooking and drinking, and contact DC Water and DOEE to discuss replacement options and next steps.

New construction in DC: Do I still need to test?

• New homes are unlikely to have lead service lines, but you should verify in DC Water’s inventory and consider testing to confirm your fixtures and plumbing are performing as expected.

Explore EPA’s lead basics | Read the Lead and Copper Rule overview | CDC lead guidance | DC Water lead information and inventory | DOEE lead programs