Project ID: 2004DC59B

Title: DC H2O: What’s On Tap?

Project Type: Research

Focus Categories: Water Quality, Water Use

Keywords: water quality, tap water, 4-H youths, GIS

Start Date: 03/01/2004

End Date: 02/28/2005

Federal Funds: $15,000

Non-Federal Matching Funds: $30,000

Congressional District: Washington DC

Principal Investigators:
Rovenia Brock-Riggins

William W. Hare

Abstract

As drinking water for the District of Columbia is derived from the Potomac River a “surface water” supply, contaminants may be present in this source water. Rain and other precipitation and harmful contaminants such as microbes, viruses, bacteria, inorganic salts, pesticides, herbicides, and radioactive contaminants may adversely affect the quality of the water supply. To that end, the public perception of the city’s water quality is less than desirable. It is felt by many consumers that bottled water is superior to that derived from the tap. Therefore, as the city seeks to improve the perception and possible quality of the water supply, it may be useful to discover the status of safety of city drinking water as it relates to possible consumer threats in specific locations and to discern if there is validity in public opinion about the safety of the District of Columbia drinking water.

Progress/Completion Report PDF