DC Water's
News & Updates

At DC Water, we understand the importance of keeping our community informed about our services, projects, and achievements. Our news web page serves as a reliable source for the latest information on a range of topics.

Picture showing inside of Rock Creek Main Interceptor with large crack in crown
29 September, 2025

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 ...

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway
23 September, 2025

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
18 September, 2025

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
10 September, 2025

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. 

Rock Creek Trail Site for Potomac River Tunnel Project
20 August, 2025

Starting the week of August 25, DC Water will take another big step forward in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. Ground stabilization will begin at the Rock Creek Trail site, near the Watergate Complex, to drill secant piles that will form a retaining wall for the drop shaft.

contract for construction of the Potomac River Tunnel (PRT)
18 August, 2025

Beginning October 1, 2025, DC Water is making changes to miscellaneous fees and charges to improve transparency, streamline operations, and ensure that fees more accurately reflect the cost of services provided to customers.

Picture of wastewater in the street on Anacostia Ave NE during sanitary sewer overflow
16 August, 2025

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
31 July, 2025

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 ...

WSSC Logo and DC Water logo
28 July, 2025

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.

WSSC and DC Water Logos
27 July, 2025

Overflow at WSSC Water’s Anacostia Wastewater Pumping Station in Capitol Heights May Occur to Avoid Sewage Overflow in Northeast, D.C. Neighborhood Following Failure of the 108-Inch Diameter Anacostia Sewer Force Main Located in the District

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Section of Tunnel Boring Machine Mary being prepared for excavation to begin
Media Advisory: DC Water to Hold Ceremonial Blessing for Tunnel Boring Machine "Mary," Signaling Start of Digging for Potomac River Tunnel Project

DC Water CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis will be joined by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Water Board Chair Dr. Unique N. Morris-Hughes, and other District leaders, for the ceremonial blessing of "Mary," the massive tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will soon begin her underground journey to build part of the Potomac River Tunnel. The event, November 3, marks a major milestone on the project which will dramatically reduce combined sewer overflows and improve water quality in the District.

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
November 6, 2025
Thursday, 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.