STATEMENT FROM WASA REGARDING THE SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2006 ARLINGTON WATER MAIN BREAK

March 12, 2006

A break in an Arlington County water main Sunday afternoon, March 12, 2006 in the Chain Bridge and Clara Barton Parkway area interrupted water service for county residents and resulted in very low water pressure for nearly 600 customers in Northwest Washington.

Arlington County has issued a temporary boil water alert for selected areas of the county until more information is available later in evening. Arlington officials say the alert is a precaution due to the temporary absence of pressure in the area of the break which could allow ground water contaminates to enter their system.

There has been no boil water alert issued by the DC Water and Sewer Authority for the District of Columbia because pressure in the District water lines was maintained at a level to prevent infiltration. Full water pressure is being restored gradually to the impacted areas of the District. The cause of the break is still under investigation, according to Arlington officials.

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Picture of wastewater in the street on Anacostia Ave NE during sanitary sewer overflow

A Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) occurred early this morning, while performing ongoing repairs on the Anacostia Force Main in Northeast DC. At approximately 1:40 a.m. the sewer line experienced a short-term, unexpected surge in flow that exceeded the capacity. Clean-up is underway and is expected to be completed later today. 

logo of wssc water and dc water

With excessive rainfall forecasted for the region DC Water and WSSC Water are actively monitoring weather conditions and implementing mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of a controlled emergency sewage overflow from the Anacostia Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS) in Capitol Heights, Maryland. This action would be taken as a last resort as the agencies work together to protect communities and the environment following the July 20 collapse of the 108-inch diameter Anacostia Sewer Force Main in Northeast Washington, D.C. near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

WSSC Logo and DC Water logo

Weather key factor. Overflow from WSSC Water’s Anacostia Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS) in Capitol Heights into Beaverdam Creek and Anacostia River is last resort. Would protect Northeast D.C. neighborhood after collapse of 108-Inch Diameter Anacostia Sewer Force Main.

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Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of previous rock slide on the slope
DC Water Revises Canal Road Slope Stabilization Plan in Response to Community Feedback

DC Water has revised its slope stabilization plan along Canal Road Northwest to significantly reduce traffic disruptions during construction.

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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.
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September 2, 2025
Tuesday, 10:00 AM

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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.