Emergency Water Main Repair
Aug 06, 2025 | 12:45 PM

Emergency Water Main Repair
Aug 06, 2025 | 12:00 PM

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Lane Closure NB Clara Barton Parkway at Chain Bridge, March 8

March 07, 2025
Picture of Chain Bridge at location of manhole where work will occur

On Saturday, March 8, DC Water will close the outbound lane of Clara Barton Parkway at Chain Bridge to inspect a section of the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewer line which crosses the Potomac River.

The lane closure will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. During the inspection, DC Water and its contractor will be working in the outbound lane past Chain Bridge to access the sewer line through a manhole in the roadway.

Motorists are advised to follow directional signage and the instruction of flaggers. Traffic will alternate in both directions utilizing one lane. Drivers may also use MacArthur Blvd as an alternative to Clara Barton Parkway.

As part of the inspection, DC Water will use a camera on closed circuit TV to go into the sewer line. It’s part of routine preventative maintenance to identify any defects or issues that could compromise the pipe and make repairs if necessary to maintain reliable sewer service.

The Potomac Interceptor is a 54-mile long sewer line that runs from areas near Dulles International Airport to Maryland and DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The line crosses the Potomac in three location, one of them at Chain Bridge. It’s a key infrastructure asset, transporting 60 million gallons of wastewater daily.

Latest News

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.

WSSC and DC Water Logos

Overflow at WSSC Water’s Anacostia Wastewater Pumping Station in Capitol Heights May Occur to Avoid Sewage Overflow in Northeast, D.C. Neighborhood Following Failure of the 108-Inch Diameter Anacostia Sewer Force Main Located in the District

Upcoming Meeting

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.

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
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.