Statement on the Passing of Allen Lew

June 23, 2020
Former Board Chair Allen Lew

The DC Water family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Allen Y. Lew, former Chairman of the DC Water Board of Directors. Our hearts go out to his wife, son and other survivors.

Mr. Lew was appointed as Board Chair in December 2012 by then Mayor Vincent Gray, and served in that capacity until December 2014. When the Authority began planning for construction of a new administrative headquarters, he advocated for a bold, iconic design. The now completed, award winning building on the banks of the Anacostia River is part of Allen Lew’s legacy, along with Nationals Park, the Washington Convention Center and the many public school modernization projects he oversaw during his long service to the District.

As City Administrator, Mr. Lew also served as co-chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on the Prevention of Flooding in the Bloomingdale Area. The recommendations set forth by the Task Force led to a series of projects and other measures implemented by DC Water and the District Government that greatly reduced the risk of overland flooding in Bloomingdale and other low-lying neighborhoods.

Today we mourn Allen Lew’s death and celebrate his many lasting contributions to the District and DC Water.  

David L. Gadis
CEO and General Manager
DC Water

Latest News

Bypass pumps in operation to reroute wastewater around the break

Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update

February 15, 2026 

  • No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours.
  • The four high-capacity bypass pumps installed this week are now ...
Photo of access pit upstream with four pumps lined up ready for installation

Crews have completed construction of the two new access pits to support full installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. Three high-capacity bypass pumps have been installed and are operational, with a fourth pump expected to be activated later tonight or early Sunday ahead of the forecasted weather to help manage anticipated higher flows associated with rainfall and snowmelt.

Placeholder DC Water Image

No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours as crews continue advancing construction of the two new access pits to support full installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. Additional high-capacity bypass pumps are on site in advance of the forecasted weather on Sunday to help manage anticipated higher flows associated with rainfall and snowmelt.

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 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.