January 29, 2014-- DC Water today announced it is expanding its backwater valve (BWV) program to help those in the greater Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park drainage areas protect their homes from sewer back-ups. The expanded program will reimburse eligible residents up to $6,000 for the purchase and installation of a BWV.

The existing program that DC Water put into place in 2012 covered 90 percent of the costs associated with installing a backwater valve, up to $3,000, for those affected by the four heavy rainstorms in 2012.

The new program offers the following:

1. For those property owners who have not yet taken part in the program, and had a documented sewer back-up in 2012, the reimbursement rate is now 100 percent, up to $6,000.

2. For those who have not experienced a sewer back-up, but have been identified as living in an affected neighborhood, DC Water offers a rebate of 90 percent of the cost associated with installing a backwater valve, up to $6,000 per property.

3. Property owners who were already reimbursed under the old program could be eligible for an additional rebate which will be mailed to them.

“DC Water has $750 million in projects underway that will greatly reduce the risk of flooding in these neighborhoods,” DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins commented, “But these are multi-year projects and we want the residents to do all they can in the meantime to prevent sewage back-ups. Offering this reimbursement is just one way we are providing short-term help. We are also partnering with the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) on a free rain barrel program for affected residents to keep as much rainwater as possible out of the combined sewer system, helping to alleviate both overland flooding and sewer back-ups.”

“In its recommendations, the Mayors Task Force on the Prevention of Flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park recognized that many of the short term measures would require active participation by property owners,” said Allen Y. Lew, Chairman of the DC Water Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Mayor’s task force. “The enhancements DC Water is making to this program give residents even more incentive to install a backwater valve to protect their property.”

Backwater valves, also known as backflow prevention devices, are installed on a sewer lateral that connects the building to the public sewer in the street. A properly working backwater valve allows flow to go in only one direction (out), preventing wastewater from entering your building during surcharges of the public sewer system or back-ups caused by storms.

Property owners who want to know if they are eligible, or want more information, can contact DC Water’s Public Outreach Manager Emanuel Briggs at 202-787-2003. Please do not install a backwater valve until you have received an eligibility notice.