Residents must report visible water leaks, broken hydrants, and sewer backups to DC Water (DCWASA) within 24 hours via the 24/7 emergency line, under DC Code 34-2202.05 and DC Water rate schedule rules.
DC Water (formerly DCWASA) operates the District's 1,300 miles of water mains and 1,800 miles of sewers under DC Code Title 34 Chapter 22. Customers must call the 24-hour command center at (202) 612-3400 for visible leaks, hydrant damage, low pressure, or discolored water. Property owners are responsible for the service line from the curb to the building; DC Water owns everything from the curb-stop to the main. The lead service line replacement program offers free full-line replacement under the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Amendment Act of 2019.
Failure to repair private-side leaks promptly can result in shut-off, bill recovery, and property liens. Hidden leaks may still drive customer bills; DC Water offers one leak-adjustment credit per property per ten years.
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See how Washington's leak reporting duty rules stack up against other locations.
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