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.

graphic with meeting information
11 May, 2026

We hope to see you tonight for our upcoming Lead Free DC Virtual Meeting! We will discuss Losing the Lead Without Losing Your Yard. This session is an in-depth look at an important concern for many homeowners: how Lead Free DC restores your yard following a lead service line replacement.

Photo of Potomac River at the overflow location
8 May, 2026

Hundreds of Sampling Results Confirm Return to Normal Bacteria Levels in Potomac River

DC Water has outlined its next steps to complete the environmental cleanup and its plan for continued water quality monitoring this summer, as part of the ongoing response to January’s failure in the Potomac Interceptor sewer pipeline. The plan, submitted to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), is ...

crews removing soil in C & O Canal
7 May, 2026

Work continues to remove the remaining soil between locks 10 and 12 of the C & O Canal which was used as an emergency bypass while the Potomac Interceptor was repaired. Crews area also removing plants, trees, and shrubs in preparation for the long-term rehabilitation of the Potomac Interceptor.

The Capital Crescent Trail will shift north and remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.
5 May, 2026

DC Water will initiate the next phase of construction at the Capital Crescent Trail site near the Aqueduct by opening a temporary trail around the work zone. The new trail will open on or about May 6, 2026. Safety features will include rumble strips, traffic mirrors, and overhead protection. The following week, DC Water will resume preparing for deep excavation by drilling reinforced steel columns ...

Workers clearing impacted soil from Lock 10
5 May, 2026

Workers are excavating potentially impacted soil and rocks by hand from the ground at the bottom of the canal’s locks, to avoid damaging the historic structures with excavators or other heavy equipment.

contract for construction of the Potomac River Tunnel (PRT)
5 May, 2026

DC Water has nearly completed construction site preparation for the Piney Branch Tunnel project, including tree removal, and installation of fences, erosion and sediment controls, utilities, and trailers. To complete site setup a section of Piney Branch Parkway will be relocated before starting the shaft and tunnel work.

On or about May 12, 2026, Piney Branch Parkway will be closed between Arkansas ...

Graphic for the May 11th Meeting
30 April, 2026

DC Water invites residents to join the next Lead Free DC virtual community meeting on May 11 where LFDC experts will talk about how construction may affect yards and outdoor spaces.

Photo of section of Canal where soil has been removed
30 April, 2026
  • This week crews worked to remove the remaining soil from Locks 11 to 13 in the section of the C&O Canal that was used as an emergency bypass after the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line.
  • Work began on Lock 10, with the majority of the soil removal expected to be completed by the end of next week.
  • Parallel efforts are also underway in advance of the accelerated rehabilitation of more than ...
A section of the canal where the soil has been removed
28 April, 2026
  • Crews are close to completing the removal of remaining soil from Locks 11 to 13 in the section of the C&O Canal that was used as an emergency bypass after the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line.
  • Work began on Lock 10, with the majority of the soil removal expected to be completed by the end of next week.
  • Tree removal continues after DC Water received the permits to move forward as part ...
Excavation site outside the I-495 Beltway showing section of the PI
23 April, 2026

Crews completed cleaning on Lock 11 of the C & O Canal as prescribed by the National Park Service, with soil removal also nearing completion within the lock area. Tree removal is also underway, after DC Water received the permits to move forward as part of the site preparations for the long-term accelerated rehabilitation of more than 2700 linear feet of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line that had ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

DC Water Officials with NPS and ANC commissioners doing ceremonial groundbreaking
DC Water Breaks Ground on Piney Branch Tunnel, Final Phase of DC Clean Rivers Project

Today, DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated.

Latest Blog Post
Five photos from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) ACE26 conference featuring panel discussions, technical presentations, networking, and attendees posing at the ACE26 display.
ACE26 Highlights: How DC Water Advanced the Conversation on Water
More than 80 DC Water employees joined thousands of water professionals in Washington, D.C., sharing expertise, building partnerships and advancing conversations that will help shape the future of water.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 16, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Jul 23
Jul 25

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. 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.