Does my house use lead pipes? New map from DC Water offers answers

Given the current national conversation about lead contamination in drinking water, you might find yourself wondering about your own water supply.
DC Water has been doing its best to put D.C. residents at ease since the aftermath of the Flint water crisis. That’s when Shawn McCoy, publisher of InsideSources, posted a story alleging the dangerous levels of lead in D.C.’s water based on a study from the early 2000s. DC Water called the story “highly irresponsible” and responded quickly with this Tweet:

Our lead levels remain historically low. Get the facts at https://t.co/ccgvshJ2BS

— DC Water (@dcwater) March 17, 2016

But now DC Water has a new tool to help residents learn more about their water, and it’s pretty cool.
The agency has gathered pipe material data for service lines based on permit records, water main tap records, meter records and maintenance, repair and replacement work, and put it all into one big interactive map.

NEW interactive map lets you search by address to see if the service line is lead: https://t.co/JTapJQAqbU pic.twitter.com/wGmIPB0oK4

— DC Water (@dcwater) June 6, 2016

Now you can find your house (or snoop on houses along your block) to see what kind of pipes DC Water thinks you/they are using. The agency does note that because of how maintenance laws have changed in the past, “we cannot guarantee the data is accurate for every property.”
So, they ask, “if you are able to determine what the pipe is made of, please send a photograph and your identification of the material so we can update our records. If you are unsure, note that in the email and we will conduct an evaluation and respond.”
Hey, D.C. data nerds — hear that? You can help DC Water make this map better!
The map helpfully gives information on where the data comes from for each location and an approximate level of confidence. The agency also provides this helpful guide on how to identify your pipes.
Start exploring here.