Traffic Advisory: Road closed for Sewer Main repair on Anacostia Ave Northeast

July 20, 2025

DC Water is advising motorists of a road closure in the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue Northeast, at the intersection with Ponds Street due to a sewer main repair. The location is adjacent to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and may restrict vehicle access to the parking lot pending further assessment.

The road closure is necessary, due to a failure in the 108-inch sewer pipe that has created a large void around the line. The soil conditions have also compromised a 70-80 foot oak tree above the pipe that is now in danger of falling.

DC Water is assessing the extent of the failure to determine the scope of work necessary for repairs. The road will remain closed pending further evaluation. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area, and use Douglas and Quarles streets via Kenilworth Avenue to detour around the road closure.

At this time the sewer line remains operational with limited flow, and no sewage has spilled from the pipe. DC Water crews will continue to monitor the situation and effort repairs as soon as possible.

If you have additional questions or need information you may contact DC Water’s Customer Care team at (202) 354-3600 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400.

Latest News

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Beginning September 23, 2025, to Mid-November 2025

DC Water is installing temporary scaffolding at the Rock Creek Trail site, west of the Watergate Complex. Trail users are advised to adhere to flagger instructions during installation.

Scaffolding installation is expected to be completed by September 26, 2025, and will remain in place until mid-November 2025.

Canal Rd slope showing areas with fallen rock

Off-Peak Lane Closures and Sidewalk Closure Begin This Week

Starting, Saturday, September 20, DC Water will begin construction to stabilize the slope on Canal Road NW between Foxhall Road (Glover-Archbold Trailhead) and the Georgetown University (GU) entrance.

Photo of completed repair with concrete encasing the sewr pipe

DC Water has successfully completed emergency repairs on a critical section of the Anacostia Force Main following a failure near Anacostia Avenue and Ponds Street Northeast in July. With repairs finalized, attention now turns to rehabilitating other vulnerable segments of the 6.25-mile pipeline to ensure long-term reliability and resilience. 

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway
Scaffolding Installation Begins near Watergate Complex for Potomac River Tunnel Project

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Beginning September 23, 2025, to Mid-November 2025

DC Water is installing temporary scaffolding at the Rock Creek Trail site, west of the Watergate Complex. Trail users are advised to adhere to flagger instructions during installation.

Scaffolding installation is expected to be completed by September 26, 2025, and will remain in place until mid-November 2025.

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

Sep 27
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sep 28
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sep 29
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

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.