WASA Replacing Large Transmission Main Valves With Minimal Impact in Northwest Area of the District

August 19, 2005

Water customers in some parts of Northwest Washington may experience lower than normal water pressure for about 24 hours, beginning 10 p.m. Monday, August 22 until 10 p.m. Tuesday, August 23, as work crews with the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) replace the valves on large underground water transmission mains at two intersections: Georgia and Missouri avenues NW and at 16th Street and Military Road NW. As these mains are shut down and water is rerouted from another system, 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, beginning 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 repairs have been completed. Traffic will be rerouted along Madison. Also, at the same time, Military Road will be closed to east and westbound traffic between 14th and 16th Streets NW. Traffic will be detoured along the 16th Street/Military Road exchange.

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 is being replaced, and at Georgia and Missouri, 30” and 48” valves are being replaced and a new 48” valve is being added.

“These valves are on critical and large transmission mains,” said WASA General Manager Jerry N. Johnson. “It is essential to the performance and maintenance of our distribution system that we have operable valves, so we can flush the system annually and isolate parts of the system to accommodate routine and emergency repairs.

###

Latest News

Image of new pipe section with wastewater flowing

Major Milestone in Sewer Line Repair Near Great Falls

DC Water has completed the final connection on the rehabilitated section of the Potomac Interceptor near Great Falls, renewing an integral part of the region's sewer system. This achievement signals the new pipe section is now fully operational and represents a significant step in completing this complex and critical infrastructure project.

Picture showing inside of Rock Creek Main Interceptor with large crack in crown

Weekend Closure of Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail Begins Friday evening, Oct 3 for Gate Restoration Work

DC Water is advancing to the next critical phase of the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) repair project, following the discovery in May of structural vulnerabilities in the 72-inch diameter sewer line that carries over 100 million gallons of wastewater daily. These repairs are a high priority to prevent potential sewage discharge into Rock Creek.

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.

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
Date
October 7, 2025
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

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.