(Washington, DC) – As cleanup efforts continue following a record-breaking snowfall in the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) wants to remind residents and businesses to keep District catch basins and fire hydrants clear of snow. When shoveling or blowing snow from District sidewalks and driveways, do not pile snow near street curbs because it can potentially cover the catch basins or obstruct flow into them. To avoid flooding, sewer backups and hazardous road conditions, keep areas clear of snow in front of catch basins along District streets.

“DC WASA crews have been working around the clock responding to water emergencies and monitoring catch basins throughout the city. Because of the heavy snowfall we received, it is critically important for residents and business owners to keep our catch basins clear of snow, so when melting occurs, water can enter them safely. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of flooding, which can lead to frozen sidewalks and roads as well as other hazardous traveling conditions,” said DC WASA General Manager George S. Hawkins.

In addition, DC WASA urges all able-bodied citizens to clear snow from fire hydrants near their home and business. Our fire fighters need ready access to hydrants in an emergency. To assist our fire fighters and preserve public safety, please remove snow from fire hydrants and do not block access to fire hydrants.

If you notice a clogged catch basin or flooding in your area, call DC WASA Emergency Line at (202) 612-3400.

About The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA), is an industry leading multi-jurisdictional regional utility that provides drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment to more 600,000 residential, commercial and governmental customers in the District of Columbia, and also collects and treats wastewater for 1.6 million customers in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. DC WASA’s service area covers approximately 725 square miles and the company operates the world’s largest advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 370 million gallons per day and has a peak capacity of 1.076 billion gallons per day.

###