(ABC7, AP) - A report by the District of Columbia's inspector general says the city's water agency "intentionally misled" the Environmental Protection Agency about the way it tested for lead in its drinking water between 2001 and 2003.

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The district had elevated lead levels in its water during the early 2000s, a spike that was blamed on a new chemical used during the treatment process.

Lead levels went back down after the city added another chemical to control corrosion.

"My concern would be for the children who live in the city because that's an issue," says resident Ruth Miller.

The inspector general's report says the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority stopped testing for lead in parts of the district that were known to have high levels in order to meet EPA goals.

It also says the agency misled the EPA about its testing methodology. The Washington Examiner was first to report the findings.

"It looks like they've got really a lot of explaining to do," says resident Darren Smith.