DC Water Urges Congress to Choose Local Tap Water for Presidential Inauguration

August 23, 2012

Following a recent announcement that bottled water will be served at the 57th Presidential Inauguration, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) is urging Congress to reconsider this selection and offer tap water as the clean and affordable option, minus the environmental harm.

Today, DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins delivered to Senator Chuck Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, a letter urging the Committee to support the nation’s drinking water systems by serving local DC tap water during the inauguration. DC Water is also offering reusable water bottles to members of Congress for convenience during the inaugural events and to demonstrate support for tap water and the environment.

DC Water and utilities across the country enable communities to confidently and reliably drink from their taps. Hundreds of water samples are tested each week throughout the District to meet public health standards set by Congress. DC tap water is about a penny per gallon, while bottled water costs 100 times more. If costly, environmentally harmful bottled water is served, DC Water encourages the Committee to provide attendees with a choice by offering DC tap water, too.

See the Letter to Chairman Chuck Schumer and a Joint Letter sent by Corporate Accountability International.

Latest News

Map of area on K and 30th St where utility investigation will occur

Map: The blue arrows represent the pedestrian detour. Motorists follow the yellow arrows. The bicycle trail remains open.

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT 

Beginning on or about May 8 ...

Images showing the crack in the crown of the red brick sewer.

DC Water is preparing for emergency repairs on a large sewer line next to Rock Creek, after discovering significant structural issues. The six-foot pipeline, known as the Rock Creek Main Interceptor ...

DC Water Potomac River Tunnel Project construction site at West Potomac Park

As part of the excavation work for DC Water’s Potomac River Tunnel Project, weekly controlled underground blasting operations at the West Potomac Park construction site will begin as early as next ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Map of area on K and 30th St where utility investigation will occur
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: 30th and K streets Northwest: Temporary Lane and Sidewalk Closures

Map: The blue arrows represent the pedestrian detour. Motorists follow the yellow arrows.

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