EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR
Feb 08, 2026 | 05:30 AM

EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR
Feb 08, 2026 | 04:30 AM

EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR
Feb 08, 2026 | 04:00 AM

DC WASA Featured in “Liquid Assets"

November 07, 2008

Liquid Assets, a ninety-minute documentary, is a production of Penn State Public Broadcasting. It “tells the story of essential infrastructure systems: water, wastewater, and stormwater.

These systems — some in the ground for more than 100 years — provide a critical public health function and are essential for economic development and growth.” The documentary further explores the need for funding to repair and replace this aging infrastructure. DC WASA General Manager Jerry N. Johnson and other area utility officials speak to this need in the feature.

The documentary also addresses the technical complexity of the underground water and wastewater networks and innovative solutions for repairing and improving the aging systems. The program was filmed in major U.S. cities such as Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and also explored rural infrastructure challenges.

More information and the documentary can be viewed at the Liquid Assets web site: www.liquidassets.psu.edu. This site also includes a 16-minute documentary trailer.

Latest News

Trench boxes at construction site for new pit accessing Potomac Interceptor Upstream

DC Water and its contractors continue to make progress constructing new access points to the Potomac Interceptor, one upstream of the damaged section, and an additional entry downstream to divert more wastewater flow from the pipe. These access points will allow crews to install a bulkhead, blocking flow in the pipe upstream of the collapsed area, keeping the site as dry as possible so crews can safely remove an extensive rock dam currently blocking the pipe.

Photo of giant rock and boulder removed

DC Water is releasing new findings regarding the environmental impacts following the January 19, collapse in a section of the Potomac Interceptor. Based on flow monitoring data collected before and after interim bypass pumping was activated, DC Water estimates approximately 243 million gallons of wastewater has overflowed from the collapse site.

Image of rock blockage taken by CCTV inside the Potomac Interceptor downstream of the collapse

Update on Extended Repairs, Safety Measures, and Water Quality Monitoring

Overnight CCTV inspection of the Potomac Interceptor revealed the blockage inside the collapsed sewer line is far more significant, showing a large rock dam stretching approximately 30 feet downstream of the original failure.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

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
February 19, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 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.