EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Jul 25, 2025 | 01:00 PM

EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Jul 25, 2025 | 09:10 AM

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

Picture of previous rock slide on the slope

DC Water has revised its slope stabilization plan along Canal Road Northwest to significantly reduce traffic disruptions during construction. The updated approach eliminates the need for a full-time ...

Map of construction area and detours
DC CLEAN RIVERS - POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

DC Water is mobilized and ready to begin major construction for the Potomac River Tunnel Project at the Rock Creek Trail site west of the Watergate ...

Photo of collapsed sewer main

DC Water is advising the public of a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) on Anacostia Ave Northeast and Ponds St at the entrance to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. A 108-inch sanitary sewer line failed ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of previous rock slide on the slope
DC Water Revises Canal Road Slope Stabilization Plan in Response to Community Feedback

DC Water has revised its slope stabilization plan along Canal Road Northwest to significantly reduce traffic disruptions during construction.

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 2, 2025
Tuesday, 10:00 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.