WASA Joins EPA and District Government to Protect Rivers from Storm Water Runoff

December 05, 2007

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), District government and WASA announced plans to implement enhancements to protect the Potomac and Anacostia rivers from storm water runoff. The improvements are part of a Municipal Storm Water (MS4) Permit being renewed for the City by EPA.

WASA’s responsibility is to coordinate the cleaning of catch basins in the District. WASA already regularly cleans the 25,000 catch basins and uses two skimmer boats to regularly clean the Anacostia and Potomac rivers, removing more than 600 tons of trash each year from the rivers.

The announcement calls for coordinated efforts among many agencies, including the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), District Department of Transportation (DDOT), and Department of Public Works (DPW) and includes measures such as encouraging green roofs and water gardens, achieving optimal tree canopy, improving street sweeping, enforcing regulations regarding illicit discharge of pollutants and improving trash removal.

Latest News

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.

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.
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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.