Avoid Water in Soapstone Creek

July 14, 2015

DC Water is advising the public to avoid the water in Soapstone Creek due to a sewage spill. A DC Water crew, investigating reports of elevated levels of E Coli in the Creek, discovered a leak in an 18” sanitary sewer pipe on Audubon Terrace, NW. A dye test indicated that sewage was leaking from the pipe and entering the creek.

DC Water is taking immediate steps to stop the leak and make repairs to the sewer pipe. The public is advised to stay away from Soapstone Creek and to keep pets away until further notice to eliminate the risk of exposure to raw sewage. Soapstone Creek runs from Albemarle Street to Broad Branch Road, NW adjacent to the Soapstone Valley Trail.

With nearly 1,800 miles of sewer lines throughout its service area, DC Water appreciates notification from the public if a sanitary sewer spill or leak is suspected. Please call the 24-hour Emergency Command Center at 202-612-3400 at any time to report water or sewer emergencies in the District of Columbia. More information on the sewer system can be found at dcwater.com.

Latest News

logo of wssc water and dc water

With excessive rainfall forecasted for the region DC Water and WSSC Water are actively monitoring weather conditions and implementing mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of a controlled emergency sewage overflow from the Anacostia Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS) in Capitol Heights, Maryland. This action would be taken as a last resort as the agencies work together to protect communities and the environment following the July 20 collapse of the 108-inch diameter Anacostia Sewer Force Main in Northeast Washington, D.C. near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

WSSC Logo and DC Water logo

Weather key factor. Overflow from WSSC Water’s Anacostia Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS) in Capitol Heights into Beaverdam Creek and Anacostia River is last resort. Would protect Northeast D.C. neighborhood after collapse of 108-Inch Diameter Anacostia Sewer Force Main.

WSSC and DC Water Logos

Overflow at WSSC Water’s Anacostia Wastewater Pumping Station in Capitol Heights May Occur to Avoid Sewage Overflow in Northeast, D.C. Neighborhood Following Failure of the 108-Inch Diameter Anacostia Sewer Force Main Located in the District

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of previous rock slide on the slope
DC Water Revises Canal Road Slope Stabilization Plan in Response to Community Feedback

DC Water has revised its slope stabilization plan along Canal Road Northwest to significantly reduce traffic disruptions during construction.

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
September 2, 2025
Tuesday, 10:00 AM

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.