Open Fire Hydrants Cause Water Pressure and Safety Issues

June 09, 2008

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) and the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services are reporting low water pressure in some neighborhoods due to unauthorized opening of fire hydrants by residents seeking relief from the heat.

The public is reminded that unauthorized use of hydrants is illegal. Such activity will cause low water pressure and service problems for customers and can damage the underground water infrastructure. Loss of adequate water pressure can have a negative impact on fire fighting when firefighters are unable to get enough water to suppress fires. Opening hydrants also poses a safety issue for young children who could easily be hurt from the high water pressure.

Over the last three days, most of the 20-plus locations of reported open hydrants have been in Southeast Washington. Other locations identified were in the southwest and northeast areas of the District. WASA has had to bring in additional crews to respond to low pressure problems caused by hydrant openings. The public is urged to report open hydrants by calling the WASA 24-hour emergency line at (202) 612-3400.

Seeking relief from the heat?

District government officials are urging residents to take advantage of the special Beat the Heat schedule for outdoor pools and spray parks operated by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. Pools and Spray Parks will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10.

Outdoor pools (Pool, Address, Phone):
•Banneker, 2500 Georgia Avenue, NW, (202) 673-2121 (2 pools)
•Barry Farm, 1223 Sumner Road, SE, (202) 645-5040
•Francis, 2500 N Street, NW, (202) 727-3285
•Harry Thomas Sr., 1801 Lincoln Road, NE, (202) 576-5640
•Kenilworth Parkside, 4300 Anacostia Avenue, NE, (202) 727-0635 (2 pools)
•Oxon Run, 4th Street & Mississippi Avenue, SE, (202) 645-5042
•Rosedale, 17th and Gale Streets, NE, (202) 727-1502
•Upshur, 14th St. & Arkansas Avenue, NW, (202) 576-8661
Spray Parks (Spray Park, Address, Phone):
•Columbia Heights, 1480 Girard Street, NW, (202) 671-0373
•Lafayette, 5900 33rd Street, NW, (202) 282-2206
•Petworth, 801 Taylor Street, NW, (202) 576-6850
•Riggs LaSalle, 501 Riggs Road, NE, (202) 576-6045

Latest News

Map of Watet St NW showing road closures

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

As of May 27, 2025, (weather permitting), DC Water has relocated the work zone on the north side of Water Street Northwest, near the entrance to the ...

Excavation of water main break

Closure between Morris Rd and Suitland Pkwy, motorists encouraged to avoid area

DC Water crews are on scene of a water main break that occurred early this morning on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue ...

Road closed sign

DC Water is wrapping up repairs on a broken 8-inch water main on Martin Luther King Jr. Ave Southeast; however, motorists are advised to continue to steer clear of the road. It’s expected to remain ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

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
June 5, 2025
Thursday, 9:30 AM