Safe Drinking Water Requirements for DC Renters

Health & Safety Standards District of Columbia published: June 21, 2025 Flag of District of Columbia

Having safe and clean drinking water is a basic right for all renters in the District of Columbia. This article outlines what the law requires, your rights as a tenant, and how to act if your rental home's tap water may not be safe to drink.

What Drinking Water Standards Apply in the District of Columbia?

Rental properties in the District of Columbia must comply with both federal and local drinking water safety standards:

These laws mean your landlord is responsible for ensuring water provided to your rental unit is safe, potable, and meets all public health standards.

Landlord Duties for Safe Drinking Water

According to the DC Housing Code, every dwelling must have access to a water supply that is “safe for human consumption.” This water supply must be:

  • Properly connected to a public water main or an approved private water source
  • Delivered to all faucets in the property, including kitchens and bathrooms
  • Free of contaminants above allowable limits defined by law

The landlord must fix any plumbing or contamination issues that make the water unsafe.

How Does DC Test for Water Safety?

In the District of Columbia, public drinking water is supplied and tested by DC Water. This agency routinely monitors water quality and reports results. If water contamination is found or if there’s a service notice that may affect quality, DC Water will notify residents directly.

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What to Do If You Suspect Unsafe Drinking Water

If your tap water smells, tastes, or looks unusual, or if you receive notice of a water issue:

  • Contact your landlord or property management immediately in writing
  • Keep records of all communications
  • Contact DC Water to request water quality information for your address
  • If the issue is not fixed quickly, file a housing complaint (see forms below)
For emergencies involving unsafe water—such as possible lead contamination—do not drink the water and alert both your landlord and DC Water right away.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

  • DC Department of Buildings: Housing Code Violation Complaint Form
    Tenant Complaint Form
    When and How: Use this form if your landlord is not addressing unsafe water or plumbing issues after you’ve notified them. Example: Your kitchen tap water is brown and unfit to drink, and your landlord has not responded after several days. File this complaint with the Department of Buildings.
  • Request for Inspection (part of complaint process)
    Usually, an inspection request is part of the above complaint form. An inspector will visit if the complaint involves potential housing code violations, such as unsafe drinking water.

Most complaints must be filed with the DC Department of Buildings (DOB), which oversees the District's housing standards.

Which Tribunal Handles Housing Disputes?

The official board handling residential tenancy disputes is the Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA). For unresolved landlord issues about drinking water safety or repairs, you may also contact the Rental Housing Commission (RHC).

Relevant DC Tenancy Legislation

Tenant water safety rights are protected by:

These codes require landlords to ensure utilities are "in good repair" and provide "reasonably safe water."

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What should I do if my rental unit's water smells strange?
    If your water smells odd, report the problem to your landlord in writing and contact DC Water for guidance. If the landlord does not respond, file a complaint with the DC Department of Buildings.
  2. Can I withhold rent if my water is unsafe?
    You generally cannot withhold rent in DC unless you follow proper legal procedures. Unsafe water may allow you to file a complaint or request a rent adjustment, but always seek legal advice first or contact the Office of the Tenant Advocate.
  3. Who pays for water quality testing in a rental?
    DC Water tests public water supplies without charge, but private plumbing or internal system tests may require landlord action or payment if a hazard is found.
  4. How fast must the landlord fix unsafe water issues?
    DC law requires "prompt" repairs for essential services. If water is unsafe, landlords should act immediately—delays of more than a few days may violate the housing code.

Key Takeaways for Renters

  • DC landlords must ensure safe, potable water in all rental units
  • Use the official Tenant Complaint Form if problems aren’t fixed quickly
  • Immediate action is required for hazardous water situations—notify DC Water and your landlord

Remember, documenting your concerns and knowing your rights greatly helps if a dispute arises.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Safe Drinking Water Act (EPA)
  2. DC Housing Code, Title 42-35
  3. DC Water - Water Quality and Lead Information
  4. Tenant Complaint Form, DC Department of Buildings
  5. Office of the Tenant Advocate

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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