REMINDER: As Extreme Winter Weather Blankets Region Learn How This Impacts Lead Service Line Replacements

January 27, 2026
Graphic inviting people to join the meeting Jan 28 6pm - 7pm

This week’s heavy snow, icy conditions, and extreme cold have brought challenges to the DC region —exactly the kind of weather that can impact how DC Water’s Lead Free DC Program replaces lead service lines. That’s why we’re reminding you to join us tomorrow, January 28, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., for an important Lead Free DC (LFDC) virtual community meeting.

At the meeting, you’ll hear how DC Water adapts its work during the coldest months, get updates on our progress, and learn steps you can take to protect your pipes at home. We’ll cover the challenges of frozen ground, share the latest replacement data, and answer your questions about keeping water safe and reliable in winter.

Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and involved in the Lead Free DC Program. We look forward to seeing you there!

Who:    DC Water Lead Free DC Program

What:   Lead Free DC Virtual Community Meeting - Frozen Ground, Forward Motion: Lead Line Replacements in Winter

When:   January 28, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: Join on Teams: bit.ly/lfdcwinter2026 or Call-in: +1 (202) 753-6714, 489126518#

If you’re unable to join, a recording will be posted on DC Water’s YouTube channel.

Begun in 2019, the Lead Free DC Program was created to accelerate lead service line replacements with the goal to replace all of the city’s estimated 42,000 lead service lines with copper pipe.

It’s part of DC Water’s 10-year, $9.6 billion Capital Improvement Program, committed to upgrading our water and sewer infrastructure to provide safe, reliable service for the nation’s capital today and in the future. 

For additional information about LFDC, go to dcwater.com/lead

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This comes one month since the last overflow reached the Potomac River.

geopolymer downstream

As emergency repairs continue, today marks 27 days, nearly one month, with no overflow reaching the Potomac River.

Crews are making significant progress to reinforce the downstream section of pipe from the collapse site and completed 240 linear feet of geopolymer overnight. Crews are working to apply another layer of geopolymer today. The material is similar in strength to concrete and when applied restores the structural integrity of the pipe.

photo inside tunnel with geopolymer

Reinforcement of the upstream section of the Potomac Interceptor has been completed, marking the halfway point in emergency repairs following the January 19 sewer line collapse. Crews continue to advance repairs on schedule, with full project completion expected by mid-March.

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