EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Feb 07, 2026 | 11:00 PM

Emergency Water Outage
Feb 07, 2026 | 04:00 PM

Emergency Water Outage
Feb 07, 2026 | 03:00 PM

Sidewalk Closures on Canal Road NW to Begin on or About August 10

August 07, 2015

DC Water will begin the rehabilitation of the Upper Potomac Interceptor, which is the 48” sanitary sewer main that runs along the Capitol Crescent Trail, as well as cleaning and inspection of the 18” sanitary sewer starting at Canal Road NW. The repairs include the lining of the 48” sewer main and are scheduled to start on Monday, August 10, 2015 and continue through Friday August 28, 2015.

The inspection of an 18” line will take place from Monday, August 10, 2015 through Wednesday August 12, 2015 and again from Monday August 24, 2015 through Friday, August 28, 2015. During those periods, the sidewalk on Canal Road NW between Foxhall Road NW and the Key Bridge will be closed for pedestrians. Additionally, the traffic coming out of Georgetown University onto Canal Road will use the east bound entrance to exit from August 10 until August 12, 2015 and August 24 until August 25, 2015.

Important Information:  
Temporary traffic signs will be set up throughout the area to alert motorists and pedestrians to the upcoming closures. To keep everyone safe, the posted speed limits should be observed and obeyed when travelling through this area. DC Water is working closely with NPS and DDOT to ensure minimal disruption during this work.   
With nearly 1,800 miles of sewer lines throughout its service area, DC Water appreciates notification from the public if a sanitary sewer spill or leak is suspected. Please call the 24-hour Emergency Command Center at 202-612-3400 at any time to report water or sewer emergencies in the District of Columbia. More information on the sewer system can be found at www.dcwater.com

Latest News

Trench boxes at construction site for new pit accessing Potomac Interceptor Upstream

DC Water and its contractors continue to make progress constructing new access points to the Potomac Interceptor, one upstream of the damaged section, and an additional entry downstream to divert more wastewater flow from the pipe. These access points will allow crews to install a bulkhead, blocking flow in the pipe upstream of the collapsed area, keeping the site as dry as possible so crews can safely remove an extensive rock dam currently blocking the pipe.

Photo of giant rock and boulder removed

DC Water is releasing new findings regarding the environmental impacts following the January 19, collapse in a section of the Potomac Interceptor. Based on flow monitoring data collected before and after interim bypass pumping was activated, DC Water estimates approximately 243 million gallons of wastewater has overflowed from the collapse site.

Image of rock blockage taken by CCTV inside the Potomac Interceptor downstream of the collapse

Update on Extended Repairs, Safety Measures, and Water Quality Monitoring

Overnight CCTV inspection of the Potomac Interceptor revealed the blockage inside the collapsed sewer line is far more significant, showing a large rock dam stretching approximately 30 feet downstream of the original failure.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

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
February 19, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 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.