Emergency Water Outage
Apr 02, 2026 | 06:30 PM

Emergency Water Outage
Apr 02, 2026 | 05:30 PM

Dry Weather Overflow Advisory Update

November 19, 2021

As communicated yesterday, DC Water investigated a dry weather overflow event at CSO 029 on the Potomac River. This was due to a leak from an 18” sewer pipe located near 3800 Reservoir Road, NW.

Overnight, crews were able to successfully bypass the leak to contain it and prevent further discharges to the Potomac. However, work to repair the leak was suspended for safety reasons during the periods of rain, which can prove deadly when working inside combined sewer pipes. This morning, the contractor was able to complete the repair and the bypass was removed.

The Potomac River is fast moving and any amount of sewage that discharge should dilute quickly. The public is still advised to stay away from the area near Outfall 029 for the next 24 hours in case there are any residual effects on the receiving waters. Anyone on the Potomac today who may come in contact with the water near CSO 029 should take precautions by bathing and washing equipment and clothing.

Information on Dry Weather Overflows can be found here: 
https://www.dcwater.com/css

Information provided to the public yesterday can be found here:
/whats-going-on/news/dry-weather-overflow-advisory

For more information, please contact DC Water’s 24 hour Command Center at 202-612-3400.

Latest News

Excavators in the canal digging up soil and another excavator removing the soil to a dump truck to be hauled away

DC Water and its contractor have made significant progress on soil removal, reaching the clay liner between locks 13 and 14 of the C & O Canal, which was used as a bypass for wastewater during the Potomac Interceptor repairs.

Work continues to remove sludge between locks 10 and 13, which is expected to be completed by mid- to late-April. The soil will then be removed down to the clay liner as the final step, and the canal reconstructed to meet National Park Service specifications.

Soil Removal Underway with Excavator in Canal

Today, DC Water and its contractors began removing contaminated soil between locks 13 and 14 in the C & O Canal, which was used as a temporary bypass during the Potomac Interceptor repair effort. Clean-up efforts are ongoing at Lock 10 with work to remove sludge now getting underway between locks 11 and 13.

Aerial shot of Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatement Plant

Series 2026 Bond Transaction Delivers Significant Long-Term Cost Savings

DC Water has closed on a refinancing deal for its Series 2026 bonds that will save customers millions of dollars and keep rates affordable across the District. The refinancing transaction, which closed this month, delivers approximately $54 million in budget savings over the next twenty years, directly benefiting DC ratepayers through reduced costs.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Map of lane closure
Traffic Advisory: Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Lane Closure Beginning Jan 19

Beginning on or about January 19, 2026, weather permitting, DC Water will implement a temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW b

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
April 7, 2026
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. 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.