Water customers in some parts of Northwest Washington will experience lower than normal water pressure through Wednesday afternoon, August 24, as work crews with the District of Columbia Water And Sewer Authority (WASA) replace the valve on large underground water transmission mains at the intersection of Georgia and Missouri Avenues NW (A similar project that began on Monday at 16th Street and Military Road NW was completed today.) As water is rerouted around this construction project, reductions in water pressure may occur in an area bounded by 16th Street, Eastern, Missouri and Kansas Avenues NW.

As a result of this utility work, which began on Monday, August 22 at 7 p.m., Missouri Avenue will be closed in both directions to through traffic between Georgia Avenue and 13th Street NW until approximately 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 24. Traffic will be rerouted along Madison Street NW.

The work being done at these intersections is part of WASA’s $12.5 million large valve replacement program to remove defective valves throughout the city, many of which have been in the ground since the early 1900’s. At 16th and Military, a 24” valve was replaced, and at Georgia and Missouri, 30” and 48” valves are being replaced and a new 48” valve is being installed and we are making adjustments to try to minimize this inconvenience.

“Regrettably, some homes and businesses have experienced low water pressure and a major thoroughfare is affected,” said WASA General Manager Jerry N. Johnson. “We are working as quickly as possible to complete the infrastructure improvement.”

The valve replacement program is essential because these valves are required to flush the distribution system annually and isolate parts of the system when WASA undertakes routine and emergency repairs.

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