EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Feb 07, 2026 | 11:00 PM

Emergency Water Outage
Feb 07, 2026 | 04:00 PM

Emergency Water Outage
Feb 07, 2026 | 03:00 PM

DO NOT DRINK Advisory Lifted for Affected DC Water Customers

December 19, 2014

The DO NOT DRINK advisory has been lifted for affected DC Water customers. Customers in the affected portion of Northwest DC should flush their household or commercial plumbing before using tap water for all purposes. Please see the interactive map at www.dcwater.com or at http://bit.ly/1xrvzFM to review the boundaries of the previous impact area. Responses to frequently asked questions regarding the lifted advisory are available online: https://www.dcwater.com/news/factsheet/pdfs/Dont_Drink_Lift_FAQ.pdf DC Water lifted the DO NOT DRINK advisory after confirming that the drinking water meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards. DC Water tested water samples from multiple sites in the affected area after extensive flushing was conducted in the pipe system. IMPORTANT***DC Water and EPA strongly urge you to flush water through your home or building by following the instructions outlined below: Single-Family Homes: • Begin at the sink on the lowest floor and run each cold water tap for 10 minutes. • After 10 minutes, move to upper level sinks and run each cold water tap for 5 minutes. • Flush your refrigerator’s water dispenser for 5 minutes. • Discard any ice that was made during the Do Not Drink advisory. • For automatic ice makers, make and discard one cycle of ice. Commercial and Multifamily Buildings: • Follow same procedure as above AND • Notify all tenants to run every cold water tap for 5 minutes. If you notice a petroleum-type odor after flushing, please notify the Drinking Water Division at 202-612-3440. If you have health concerns, please contact your healthcare provider for advice. Share this information with your friends and neighbors, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this public notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. DC Water continues to investigate the cause and source of the contamination. During this event, DC Water worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency, its partners in the District of Columbia, DC Department of Environment, Washington Aqueduct, and the Metropolitan Washington region to communicate with the public and quickly restore water service. Customers with water quality questions should contact DC Water’s Drinking Water Division at 202-612-3440 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). All other questions or suggestions should be directed to DC Water Customer Service at 202-354-3600 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400. Information is also available atwww.dcwater.com

Latest News

Trench boxes at construction site for new pit accessing Potomac Interceptor Upstream

DC Water and its contractors continue to make progress constructing new access points to the Potomac Interceptor, one upstream of the damaged section, and an additional entry downstream to divert more wastewater flow from the pipe. These access points will allow crews to install a bulkhead, blocking flow in the pipe upstream of the collapsed area, keeping the site as dry as possible so crews can safely remove an extensive rock dam currently blocking the pipe.

Photo of giant rock and boulder removed

DC Water is releasing new findings regarding the environmental impacts following the January 19, collapse in a section of the Potomac Interceptor. Based on flow monitoring data collected before and after interim bypass pumping was activated, DC Water estimates approximately 243 million gallons of wastewater has overflowed from the collapse site.

Image of rock blockage taken by CCTV inside the Potomac Interceptor downstream of the collapse

Update on Extended Repairs, Safety Measures, and Water Quality Monitoring

Overnight CCTV inspection of the Potomac Interceptor revealed the blockage inside the collapsed sewer line is far more significant, showing a large rock dam stretching approximately 30 feet downstream of the original failure.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

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
February 19, 2026
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.