Water service restored to all customers on Monday;
DC Water partnering with District agencies on unified response

DC Water continues to address the water main break in the 3^rd Street Tunnel. The break is on an 8-inch main that runs through the tunnel, though the exact location of the break is still being determined.

DC Water will provide an update on the time to repair once the location and repair needs are determined. The system pressure remains stable, and we do not anticipate any additional outages related to this incident. The tunnel closure is confined to the area of the break. Commuters can travel northbound as far as Massachusetts Ave, NW and southbound from Massachusetts Ave, NW.

DC Water CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis, commented, “The good news is that we were able to restore water service to all customers yesterday. All but one building were back in service by late afternoon and the remaining building, 307 K Street, NW, had water service in the evening. Still, DC Water mobilized bottled water distribution to 307 K Street NW and delivered nearly 650 cases of water to the building.”

Gadis added, “I would like to thank all the staff and agencies involved in this event. The District agencies and the Executive Office of the Mayor quickly coordinated and have provided a joint response. This is arduous work, around the clock, in extreme heat—all the responders have my gratitude.”

As there are many causes of water main breaks and leaks, DC Water will have a better understanding of the cause of the infrastructure failure in this case once the water main is exposed. A specific cause is not always determined.

Elsewhere in the District yesterday were reports of low water pressure in Northwest; however, those were related to hydrant flushing— the practice of opening fire hydrants to pull fresh water through the system— and were unrelated to this incident. That work was completed yesterday afternoon and DC Water confirmed that water pressure was restored to those customers.