DC Water Cares: Support Available for Customers Impacted by Federal Government Shutdown

October 31, 2025
DC Water Cares Logo

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, DC Water is reaffirming its commitment to supporting customers facing financial hardship. The utility recognizes the stress and uncertainty this situation places on federal employees, contractors, and others whose paychecks may be delayed through no fault of their own.

Through its DC Water Cares suite of customer assistance programs, DC Water offers a range of options to help reduce monthly water and sewer costs for residential customers. These programs include:

  • Customer Assistance Program (CAP) tiers — CAP+, CAP1, CAP2, and CAP3 — which provide discounts on water, sewer, and the Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC).
  • SPLASH (Serving People Lending a Supporting Hand) — a one-time emergency assistance program designed to help prevent service disruption for households experiencing temporary or ongoing financial hardship.
  • Flexible Payment Plans - No late fees if you stick to the plan.

Those who are able to assist may also donate to the SPLASH program. All financial contributions – dollar for dollar – go directly to helping a customer in need.  You can donate directly online at dcwater.com/splash.

“We recognize that many of you are doing everything you can to keep your household going during this time,” said DC Water CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis. “That’s why we’re committed to being a partner - not an obstacle - in helping you maintain vital service and find relief options. You’ve served our community; we’re here to serve you.”

DC Water encourages any customer affected by the shutdown to reach out immediately if you’re worried about maintaining your water and sewer service. You don’t have to wait until you receive a disconnection notice. Our team is ready to help explore available assistance options and all inquiries are handled confidentially and with care.

Customers can contact DC Water through the following channels:

DC Water remains committed to serving the community and ensuring that no customer faces service disruption alone. We thank all customers for their continued trust and partnership.

Latest News

DC Water team on stage receiving Merit Award from DBIA during awards ceremony

DC Water is being honored with a national award from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). The award recognizes DC Water for its rehabilitation of a critical section of the Potomac Interceptor ...

Photo of workers on M St doing repairs

On Thursday, November 5, beginning at 9 p.m., DC Water will be doing valve repair work involving lane closures and potential delays along M Street NW in Georgetown. Crews will replace one large valve ...

Map of lane closure inbound on Clara Barton Parkway

Drivers should expect periodic traffic delays midday and overnight on Clara Barton Parkway at the Maryland-DC border through December 23, 2026, as DC Water works to complete emergency repairs on the ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Christening of TBM Emily with DC Water Interim General Manager Matt Brown holding bottle of tap water to christen Emily
DC Water Welcomes the Community Underground to See the Potomac River Tunnel and Christens Tunnel Boring Machine Emily

DC Water celebrated the christening of Emily today. It’s the second giant tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will help build the 5.5-mile Potomac River Tunnel. The celebration continued with Community Day. Residents and families met Emily and stepped inside the tunnel where she will soon begin digging.

Latest Blog Post
Emergency supplies arranged on a table, including bottled water, canned food, a backpack, first aid kit, flashlight, phone, medication and other essential items.
Simple Ways to Stay Prepared at Home
A few simple steps can help your household prepare for severe weather and temporary water or sewer service interruptions.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
November 12, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Nov 12
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. 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.