Do not flush paper towels, wipes or facial tissues—they clog your pipes and our pumps!

March 27, 2020
Don't flush wipes image

As toilet paper is now so hard to find, many District residents and employees are turning to alternatives. If you must use something other than toilet paper, please be sure to discard it in the trash.

Only toilet paper is designed to break apart in pipes and sewers. Toilet paper goes through extensive testing to ensure that it disintegrates as it is flushed, other products remain intact and obstruct pipes.

Don’t be fooled by wipes packaging claims that these products are flushable. They are not. These and other alternatives may make it down your toilet, but they cause a number of problems on their journey to the wastewater treatment plant. They can, and do, clog pipes causing backups in homes and neighborhoods. Wipes, and other tp alternatives, form giant globs that tangle and damage DC Water’s sewer pumps.

“We know these are trying times,” said DC Water CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis. “But one simple action – to throw these items in the trash rather than flushing them – can save you from even further disruption—and plumber’s fees. Water and sewer services are critical in solving this current health crisis. Please protect our systems and your health.”

More information on protecting your pipes can be found at protectyourpipes.org/

Wipes stuck in equipment at DC Water's Potomac Sewer Pumping Station.

 

Latest News

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. Additional lane closure may be necessary intermittently through Oct 24, 2025.

Image of new pipe section with wastewater flowing

Major Milestone in Sewer Line Repair Near Great Falls

DC Water has completed the final connection on the rehabilitated section of the Potomac Interceptor near Great Falls, renewing an integral part of the region's sewer system. This achievement signals the new pipe section is now fully operational and represents a significant step in completing this complex and critical infrastructure project.

Picture showing inside of Rock Creek Main Interceptor with large crack in crown

Weekend Closure of Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail Begins Friday evening, Oct 3 for Gate Restoration Work

DC Water is advancing to the next critical phase of the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) repair project, following the discovery in May of structural vulnerabilities in the 72-inch diameter sewer line that carries over 100 million gallons of wastewater daily. These repairs are a high priority to prevent potential sewage discharge into Rock Creek.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway
Scaffolding Installation Begins near Watergate Complex for Potomac River Tunnel Project

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Beginning September 23, 2025, to Mid-November 2025

DC Water is installing temporary scaffolding at the Rock Creek Trail site, west of the Watergate Complex. Trail users are advised to adhere to flagger instructions during installation.

Scaffolding installation is expected to be completed by September 26, 2025, and will remain in place until mid-November 2025.

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
October 16, 2025
Thursday, 9:30 AM

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.