Construction on DC Water’s next green infrastructure project to begin early 2022

April 5, 2021 – DC Water is currently finalizing the design of the next green infrastructure project, Rock Creek Project B, in the Rock Creek sewershed. Rock Creek Project B is part of DC Water's Clean Rivers Project, which will reduce the volume of combined sewer overflows to the District’s waterways and improve water quality.

The project will include specific investments within portions of Ward 1 and Ward 4, which are vital to controlling sewage overflows into Rock Creek Park .

Rock Creek Project B will include the construction of permeable pavement in alleys and bioretention (rain garden) sites. These practices manage stormwater by taking advantage of the earth's natural processes, such as allowing the water to infiltrate into the soil, evaporate into the air or be used by plants, which release it as vapor. In addition to managing stormwater, green infrastructure contributes to beautifying the streetscape and making it more welcoming for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. Rock Creek Project B construction is expected to start in early 2022.  

David L. Gadis, DC Water Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, stated, “DC Water is excited to continue building green infrastructure in the Rock Creek sewershed as part of the Clean Rivers Project. Green infrastructure is an exciting stormwater management practice that the community can see in the planter strips and alleys of their neighborhoods.”

This is the second green infrastructure project constructed in the Rock Creek sewershed. The first green infrastructure project, Rock Creek Project A, was completed in 2018 in the Brightwood Park and Manor Park neighborhoods.

“I am proud DC Water is continuing to successfully install green infrastructure making DC a more resilient city while improving our environment, especially in the Rock Creek watershed,” said Tommy Wells, Chair of DC Water’s Board of Directors.

DC Water will also host a community meeting on April 7 to inform the community of the project and the 30-day public comment period for the Project Description document. The public comment period for the project description document closes on May 7. Comments should be submitted to cleanriversgi@dcwater.com. DC Water will host an additional meeting on May 4.  Further information and the project description document can be found at www.dcwater.com/green.