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

Worker on side of steep slope

TRAFFIC ADVISORY - CLEAN RIVERS - POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

DC Water is in the final stretch of its slope stabilization project along Canal Road NW, a critical project that will pave the way for Potomac River Tunnel construction at this site. Beginning, the week of December 15, 2025, one westbound lane of Canal Road will be closed during daytime, off-peak hours on weekdays and Saturdays to hydroseed the slope.

Image of Wendy with EPA Letter

DC Water is reaching out to nearly 25,000 customers this month with important information about the material of their water service lines. These annual notifications are part of DC Water’s ongoing commitment to prevent exposure to lead and remove lead service lines from the District’s drinking water system through the Lead Free DC initiative.

Placeholder DC Water Image

Following the completion of priority valve repairs, DC Water will be doing road restoration work along New York Ave and Bladensburg Rd NE this weekend. The work will require lane closures for the duration of the weekend, reduce capacity, and may cause a significant impact to traffic.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Worker on side of steep slope
Canal Road Slope Stabilization Project Nears End; Off-peak Lane Closure to Replant Slope

TRAFFIC ADVISORY - CLEAN RIVERS - POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

DC Water is in the final stretch of its slope stabilization project along Canal Road NW, a critical project that will pave the way for Potomac River Tunnel construction at this site. Beginning, the week of December 15, 2025, one westbound lane of Canal Road will be closed during daytime, off-peak hours on weekdays and Saturdays to hydroseed the slope.

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

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.