The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) will begin construction in late spring on Martin Luther King Avenue Jr., SE to replace older cast iron pipes with new pipes that will deliver higher water pressures to residents and businesses east of the Anacostia River. Lead service pipes connected to the water main along this segment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue will also be removed and replaced. WASA has made lead service pipe replacement a key priority especially when it can be integrated with other WASA replacement or improvement construction projects

The work is part of WASA’s $40 million Water System Infrastructure Rehabilitation Projects East of the Anacostia River Plan, designed to update the aging system and address East of the River citizen concerns about low water pressure. The plan evolved from community concerns and in response to research WASA conducted in 2000 that revealed the need to construct new pumping and water storage facilities as well as replace older cast iron pipes with new pipes constructed of ductile iron that can withstand higher water pressures without breaking.

“This $40 million investment is part of the Water Capital Improvements Program and will result in improved service to WASA customers,” said WASA General Manager Jerry Johnson. “These new pumping stations, storage facilities and pipelines will ensure that residents and businesses benefit from improved higher water pressure and more reliable service.”

In the first phase of the plan, the major 20-inch cast iron water main pipe along Martin Luther King Avenue Jr., SE from Milwaukee Avenue north to Upsal Street will be replaced with 5,310 feet of stronger 20-inch ductile iron pipe. The pipe will be replaced in small segments at a time and WASA will notify affected areas at least two weeks in advance of starting construction along a particular section of the street. WASA will ensure traffic along the avenue continues to move safely during construction and make every effort to limit disruptions to businesses and traffic. Impacted areas will be notified at least 72 hours in advance of rerouting traffic. After the pipe is replaced, Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue will be repaved and improved. Work completion is anticipated by mid December 2004.

Residents and business will be notified at least 48 hours in advance of any need to interrupt water service to facilitate pipe replacement.

Funding for the Water System Infrastructure Rehabilitation Projects East of the Anacostia River is through WASA's Water System Capital Improvement Program.