Statement on Security of Water Distribution System

February 09, 2021

In the wake of a reported cyber breach of the water treatment system in Oldsmar, Florida on Friday, February 5, DC Water Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David L. Gadis issued the following statement:

DC Water purchases drinking water from the Army Corps of Engineers’ Washington Aqueduct and distributes it across the District of Columbia. DC Water utilizes extensive physical and cyber security measures to prevent unauthorized access to its distribution systems and to protect the water supply. That includes conducting thousands of water quality tests annually throughout the city.

We never discuss our specific cyber security protections publicly, but I can assure you we are ever vigilant in protecting and monitoring our systems to ensure the safety and quality of the water we deliver. 
 

Latest News

Photo of Potomac River at the overflow location

Hundreds of Sampling Results Confirm Return to Normal Bacteria Levels in Potomac River

DC Water has outlined its next steps to complete the environmental cleanup and its plan for continued water quality monitoring this summer, as part of the ongoing response to January’s failure in the Potomac Interceptor sewer pipeline. The plan, submitted to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), is supported by extensive data from hundreds of samples.

crews removing soil in C & O Canal

Work continues to remove the remaining soil between locks 10 and 12 of the C & O Canal which was used as an emergency bypass while the Potomac Interceptor was repaired. Crews area also removing plants, trees, and shrubs in preparation for the long-term rehabilitation of the Potomac Interceptor.

Placeholder DC Water Image

DC Water has nearly completed construction site preparation for the Piney Branch Tunnel project, including tree removal, and installation of fences, erosion and sediment controls, utilities, and ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Placeholder DC Water Image
Piney Branch Parkway Temporary Closure and Relocation

DC Water has nearly completed construction site preparation for the Piney Branch Tunnel project, including tree removal, and installation of fences

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

Upcoming Events

May 16
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
May 20

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.