Please see the interactive map at dcwater.com or call the 24-Hour Command Center at 202- 612-3400 to verify if your address was in the affected area.
Take the following precautions before returning to normal water usage:
Run the cold water taps for 10 minutes (if water was not used at all during the advisory).
If known sources of lead are present, if possible, continue to filter the water using a NSF/ANSI Standard 53 lead-certified filter before using it.
Discard food, beverages or ice prepared with water that was not boiled during the advisory.
Consult the owner’s manual to find out how to sanitize appliances and home filtration systems if used during the advisory.
DC Water will work with customers to answer questions and respond to additional issues following the Boil Water Advisory. Customers with water quality questions should contact the Drinking Water Division at (202) 612-3440 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
All other questions or suggestions should be directed to DC Water Customer Service at 202-354-3600 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400. Information is also available at dcwater.com and Bilingual FAQs are provided at www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ.
Updated with bottled water distribution information
DC Water has issued a boil water advisory affecting part of Lamond-Riggs and other neighborhoods. Visit the interactive map for impacted areas. Free bottled water for impacted residents available at Catholic University Athletic Center (8:30 pm-11:30 pm, Jan. 19) and at UDC Van Ness Campus Building 44 (9:00 pm-11:30 pm, Jan. 19). If you are not able to visit a pickup location, call 311. https://www.dcwater.com/whats-going-on/news/bottled-water-distribution
DC Water Issues Boil Water Advisory for Customers in Some District Neighborhoods
January 19, 2024
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) issued a Boil Water Advisory today for some customers that are or have had loss of water pressure on Friday, January 19, 2024. This is a precautionary notice to customers in the impacted area to boil water that may be ingested due to water of unknown quality in this localized area of the system. Do not drink the water without boiling it first. This advisory will remain in place until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe to drink.
DC Water advises customers to search their address on the interactive map at dcwater.com or call the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 to determine if they are in the impact area of this advisory. Customers in the impact area should boil water used for drinking and cooking.Customers outside this area can continue normal water use.
Customers in the impact area should follow this guidance at this time:
Discard any beverages and ice made before Friday, January 19, 2024 11 am.
Run cold water until clear (if discolored) prior to boiling.
Run cold water for 2 minutes if known sources of lead are present prior to boiling.
Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute and let it cool.
Store cooled water in a clean, covered container.
Cooled, boiled water or bottled water should be used for:
Drinking
Brushing teeth
Preparing and cooking food
Washing fruits and vegetables
Preparing infant formula
Making ice
Giving water to pets
*Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiled or bottled water.
What happened (Background)
On the afternoon of January 19, 2024, DC Water received a number of calls from customers in Northwest DC who were experiencing low or no water pressure. DC Water assessed the system and confirmed low pressure at multiple locations within the impacted area. Crews are still investigating the cause and working to restore system pressure.
Due to the loss of pressure in the distribution system, this may cause backpressure, backsiphonage, or a net movement of water from outside the pipe to the inside through cracks, breaks, or joints in the distribution system that are common in all water systems. Pressure loss could result in a high potential that fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms could enter the distribution system. These conditions may pose an imminent and substantial health endangerment to persons served by the system. We are still investigating the cause of the pressure loss and will test the water once the cause it identified and corrected.
Bacteria and other disease-causing contamination such as viruses and parasites can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.
The symptoms above are not only caused by microbes in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
We have no information that the water was contaminated by this incident, but issue this advisory as a precaution while we test the water. DC Water will collect samples in the impacted area. The advisory will be lifted when tests on two consecutive days show no bacteria are present and all customers can continue normal water use, which we anticipate will be on Sunday, January 21 at the earliest.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Customers with water quality questions should contact the Department of Water Quality at (202) 612-3440 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). All other questions should be directed to DC Water Customer Service at (202) 354-3600 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400 or the Office of Marketing and Communications at (202) 787-2200 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Hygiene and Handwashing: CDC provides guidance on alternative hygienic practices when water is not available or is contaminated.
Keeping hands clean during an emergency helps prevent the spread of germs. If your tap water is not safe to use, wash your hands with soap and water that has been made safe to use. See the handwashing section below for more information on how to keep hands clean during an emergency.
How should you wash your hands?
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Consumer Information: EPA provides information and guidance about drinking water quality, emergencies, contaminants, public health issues, and treatment and storage.
For the sixth year in a row, Metro will bring a bus to donation sites around the region. All in-person locations are conveniently located near grocery or retail stores. Bring your donations from home or stop at the store on your way to Metro and drop off your donations before taking the train or bus.
“Please join us in the New Year by giving to the Capital Area Food Bank to help families with food insecurities,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “We often say that Metro is the life blood of the community by getting people around the region, and the Fill-A-Bus campaign is another way that we can serve our neighbors.”
You can donate healthy, unopened, non-perishable food items in person outside the following Metrorail stations:
Wednesday, Jan. 3
Anacostia Station on Howard Road from 6-10 a.m.
Fort Totten Station at Bus Bay K from 2-6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 5
Friendship Heights Station at Bus Bay K from 6-10 a.m.
Silver Spring Station at Bus Bay J from 2-6 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 8
Pentagon City Station at 12th and South Hayes (near Nordstrom’s entrance) from 6-10 a.m.
Tysons Station at Bus Bay G from 2-6 p.m.
You can also make donations online to the Capital Area Food Bank through the Fill-A-Bus website by Jan. 12. Every $1 donated provides two meals.
Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker invites residents to join his next Monthly Public Safety Call on Wednesday, November 29 at 3:00 p.m.
Guests will be Matthew Graves, United States Attorney for DC; Dr. Barbara J. Bazron, Director of the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health; and MPD Fifth District Commander Sylvan Altieri. Please join to share your observations, concerns, and questions.
Register to receive the meeting link at ward5.us/monthlycall. The meeting will be livestreamed on CM Parker’s YouTube channel. It will be recorded, and slides will be shared afterwards.
Reach out to CM Parker’s office to share questions or specific concerns you would like to be addressed at the public safety meetings by emailing ward5contact@dccouncil.gov or calling 202-724-8028.
I have not been attending the meetings that North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA) has held regarding the planned temporary hypothermia shelter site at Faith United Church of Christ. But I figured I would make a post with the information I do know. If you want to get on NMPCA’s distribution list, email Carmen Williams at carm8954@aol.com.
ANC 5A plans to hold a special meeting on November 6, 2023. The hypothermia shelter is one agenda item.
Faith United Church is located at 4900 10th Street NE. Its property sits along South Dakota Avenue across from the Sunoco station.
From the FAQs, the church plans to house up to 35 adult women at the church for the 2023-2024 hypothermia season. The shelter will be open from 7:00 pm-7:00 am when hypothermia alerts are in effect.
A resident at the ANC meeting on October 25 asked whether women with children would be turned away if they show up at the church. The church officials said that the shelter is for single women who would be transported to the site by DHS.
My understanding is that while cots, equipment, and security cameras/lights have been set up at the church already, the shelter will not begin operation until November 7 or November 15. There were a couple of hypothermia alerts earlier this week, but church officials said that the shelter is on the DHS list for use starting next week.
Church representatives want to form an advisory committee. If interested, email faithuccdc@gmail.com or call (202) 635-7777.
Update October 24, 2023: According to news reports, the dog has been found.
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Original post
On Saturday, a neighbor’s dog named Max was stolen in the 300 block of Galloway Street NE near Fort Totten Metro station. The dog is a 14-year-old west highland white terrier in need of special care. Call (917) 399-8276 if seen.
In his weekly newsletter, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker announced that his office is launching a Ward 5 Monthly Public Safety Call.
Join Councilmember Parker, Council staff, all three MPD Commanders from the Police Districts in Ward 5, and violence interruption groups from the Office of the Attorney General and Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement for a monthly public safety call.
[Ed. Note: At the North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting held on October 4, Faith United Church shared that DC’s Department of Human Services (DHS) approached the church about serving as a hypothermia shelter site for single women when hypothermia alerts are in effect. A church representative said that the church wants to help and that there is space for up to approximately 30 women. He said the individuals would remain on the grounds of the church during their stay. DHS wants to have everything in place by November in time for the cold weather months. The church representative stated the church will have a community meeting about the proposal. ANC 5A sent the information below to the ANC’s distribution list.]
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From ANC 5A
Faith United Church of Christ at Decatur Street NE and South Dakota Ave NE has been asked to become a shelter for women over the winter. At this point, what we know is that if this goes forward, the women will be bussed there in the evening and will be bussed from there in the morning. It is out understanding that there will be security and that they will not be allowed to leave the shelter after they arrive. We have also been told that there will be security. That is all we know as of now.
There is a community meeting scheduled. Please attend to learn more.
Single agenda: Faith UCC becoming a temporary hypothermia site for DHS.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 7pm Faith United Church of Christ 4900 10th St NE, Washington DC 20017
Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker invites North Michigan Park residents to a public safety walk with new MPD 4th District Commander Nikki Lavenhouse.
October 12, 2023 5:30 pm
Meet at corner of South Dakota Avenue & Delafield Street NE (McDonald’s side).
For questions, contact Carlos McKnight at cmcknight@dccouncil.gov or at (771) 333-9914.
MPD’s Fourth District (4D) has a new leader, Commander Nikki Lavenhouse. All of Riggs Park sits in MPD’s 4D.
Commander Lavenhouse’s message on 4D’s homepage states:
I am excited about building new partnerships and I am honored to have been selected to serve the residents and stakeholders of Wards 1, 4, and 5. I am committed to further strengthening our community partnerships as we work to reduce crime and ensure that everyone feels safe.
In the coming days I will be out in the community meeting with residents and stakeholders. I look forward to engaging with you all to assess and meet the needs of our community.
The commander can be reached at nikki.lavenhouse@dc.gov.
Ward 4 Summer Safety Strategic Planning Meeting June 29, 2023 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Barnard Elementary School (enter on 4th & Crittenden Street NW).
Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George encourages Ward 4 residents to attend a strategic planning meeting to discuss specific actions to address crime and gun violence during the summer.
You have one more week to visit a ward-based COVID center to pick up free masks and COVID tests. These helpful, well-used centers are scheduled to close for good on March 31, 2023.
Riggs Park Follow Up Public Safety Meeting Hosted by DC’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice January 10, 2023 6:30 pm Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE)
Government agencies in attendance:
Metropolitan Police Department DC Department of General Services DC Department of Parks & Recreation DC Department of Behavioral Health
For questions or concerns, please contact Jasmin Benab at jasmin.benab@dc.gov.
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This meeting is a follow-up to a less than useful meeting that was held on January 3, 2023, in response to the shooting that happend at the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center on December 23, 2022. MPD 4th District Commander Carlos Heraud attended the meeting but a minute before having to leave because of a shooting at Georgia Avenue & Rittenhouse Street NW. Officials from other agencies present were not prepared to address questions raised by residents.
For the meeting on January 10, residents are encouraged to submit questions, concerns, and ideas in advance to jasmin.benab@dc.gov.
My understanding is that representatives will be prepared with responses to questions raised at the meeting on January 3. It sounds like this will be a real opportunity for residents to say what they would like to see from District government officials and what kind of resources residents believe are necessary to make sure something like this does not happen again.
The frontline staff at the rec deserve all the thanks and support for keeping the children who were in the gym at the time safe. They also deserve a workplace free from violence, a building with working security cameras, and an executive branch that timely responds to issues raised by the staff.
Also, nothing can be that deep to make someone decide to shoot up a rec center. So often people say that there are not enough programs or things for young people to do in this city and then people decide to shoot up a place that actually offers programs and things for young people to do. This is ridiculous.
Riggs Park Public Safety Meeting Hosted by DC’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice January 3, 2023 6:00 pm Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE)
Government agencies in attendance:
MPD 4th District Commander Carlos Heraud DC Department of Parks & Recreation DC Department of Behavioral Health
For questions or concerns, please contact Jasmin Benab at jasmin.benab@dc.gov.
Faith United Church of Christ (4900 10th Street NE) is hosting its mobile market with free produce and groceries on November 17, 2022, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Coat Drives
The Modern at Art Place (400 Galloway Street NE) is accepting winter coats from November 7 to December 1, 2022. Drop off in lobby.
Faith United Church of Christ (4900 10th Street NE) is accepting coats and other winter clothing (socks, blankets, thermal underwear, gloves, scarves) 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on November 17, December 15, & December 17, 2022. For information contact (202) 635-7777 or email faithuccdc@gmail.com.
According to MPD, on November 11, 2022, twenty-year-old Rashawn Phiffer passsed away after being stabbed near the 500 block of Riggs Road NE. Information about this homicide is scant. If anyone has information about this situation, please contact MPD at 202-727-9099. Anonymous tips can be sent to MPD by texting 50411.
Rest in peace and condolences to this young man’s family.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 