A Hydrant is not a Toy

Top ten reasons not to open a fire hydrant to beat the heat:

  1. Opened hydrants release huge amounts of treated drinking water. More than 1,800 gallons per minute can spew from an open hydrant.
  2. Opening a hydrant use can cause reductions in water pressure in other sections of the water system. Using hydrants as public sprinklers can jeopardize people and property if there isn't enough pressure when needed to fight a fire.
  3. Attempting to force open a hydrant can damage the hydrant. If firefighters need to use a hydrant damaged that has been damaged, they can lose precious time. Every second counts when trying to save property and lives.
  4. Hydrant use can cause discolored water to customers in surrounding areas.
  5. The force and volume of water coming from an open fire hydrant can undermine streets, sidewalks, and private property and rack up some serious repair costs.
  6. Open hydrants can create traffic nightmares when oncoming vehicles try to navigate flooded streets.
  7. The raw force of water gushing from an open hydrant can cause serious injury to a person who hasn't been trained in the proper method to safely open a hydrant. Caps on the hydrant can cannonball into the body of someone standing nearby.
  8. Small children playing in hydrant flow can be seriously injured by the force of the water stream from a hydrant. Flow from an open hydrant can easily knock a large adult to the ground.
  9. Fire hydrants are installed to fight fires -- not to be used for recreation.
  10. Unauthorized use of a fire hydrant is against the law and punishable by fines! In fact, if you see anyone attempting to break open a fire hydrant -- call 911 and report it.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

View of Mary at bottom of shaft inside tunnel shown from above
DC Water Launches Tunnel Boring Machine Mary, Marking Important Step for Potomac River Tunnel Project

First turn of cutterhead signals the start of excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project

In a defining moment for one of the District’s largest infrastructure investments, DC Water has marked its next major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The first tunnel boring machine, Mary, has launched her northbound journey breaking through the soil to signal the start of excavation.

With the first turn of Mary’s drill-like cutterhead underground, the machine pushed forward to begin tunneling, representing the transition from years of planning and preparation to active tunnel construction on the $819 million project.

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
April 15, 2026
Wednesday, 9:30 AM

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.