DC Water prepares for Friday’s rain and wind

October 28, 2021

The National Weather Service is forecasting a potential severe weather event for the National Capital Region beginning early Friday morning and lasting into Friday evening. 

Tidal flooding is expected to be the major concern. But even without large rain totals, customers may still experience localized flooding.

DC Water is monitoring the forecast and is prepared to address any issues brought on by this weather event. We are coordinating with HSEMA and the Office of the Mayor, along with other District agencies. In advance of the storm, DC Water crews are checking pump stations, emergency generators and other supplies. They are fueling up vehicles, cleaning catch basins, and preparing the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant’s wet weather treatment facility to handle more flow. Extra crews are on standby to assist.

Customers should
Anyone experiencing a water or sewer emergency should immediately contact DC Water’s 24-Hour Emergency Command Center at 202-612-3400. Please quickly report catch basins that are clogged or otherwise not draining properly. Please also keep fallen leaves away from the catch basins.
 
For more tips, view the recently issued emergency preparedness customer newsletter at dcwater.com/preparedness21

Most important steps
DC Water reminds customers that the most important step they can take should occur before a storm is on the way. They should check their insurance coverage and consider adding flood or sewer backup protection if prudent. The District Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) has insurance tips and other useful information on its website at disb.dc.gov or call 202-727-8000.

Those who are prone to overland flooding due to grading on their property should have a professional address the grading with physical improvements. In the case of this storm, property owners can place barriers in front of any entry points that water might travel, such as doorways or below-grade windows. In case you experience flooding in the home, taking photos of the source of water entry into the home can help with a solution for the future.

Those whose homes or businesses are built in low-lying areas or with basements below grade should consider installing a backwater valve. Also known as a backflow prevention device, this valve is installed on a sewer line that connects a building to the public sewer in the street. The device allows sewage to only exit the home, not flow back in, preventing wastewater from entering the building during strong storms. Installation of this backwater valve where plumbing fixtures are below top of the upstream manhole in the street is a DCRA code requirement. There are limited areas where residents may be eligible for a discount when they install a backwater valve. Visit dcwater.com/backwatervalve or call 202-787-2003 for more on this topic.

Latest News

Photo of completed repair with concrete encasing the sewr pipe

DC Water has successfully completed emergency repairs on a critical section of the Anacostia Force Main following a failure near Anacostia Avenue and Ponds Street Northeast in July. With repairs finalized, attention now turns to rehabilitating other vulnerable segments of the 6.25-mile pipeline to ensure long-term reliability and resilience. 

Map of construction area on Clara Barton Parkway near I495

DC Water will be doing construction as part of a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project on Clara Barton Parkway in Maryland from Sept 8 - Oct 10, 2025, which may cause delays inbound near the I-495 Beltway interchange. One lane will be closed in the work zone to reline an 800-foot section of the sewer line, known as the Potomac Inteceptor. Access to the inner and outer loops of the Beltway will remain available.

Rock Creek Trail Site for Potomac River Tunnel Project

Starting the week of August 25, DC Water will take another big step forward in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. Ground stabilization will begin at the Rock Creek Trail site, near the Watergate Complex, to drill secant piles that will form a retaining wall for the drop shaft.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Rock Creek Trail Site for Potomac River Tunnel Project
Ground Stabilization Work Begins Near Watergate Complex, starting Aug 25

Starting the week of August 25, DC Water will take another big step forward in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. Ground stabilization will begin at the Rock Creek Trail site, near the Watergate Complex, to drill secant piles that will form a retaining wall for the drop shaft.

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
Date
September 18, 2025
Thursday, 9:30 AM

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.