History

In the early history of Washington, DC, water and sewer operated as separate entities. Early incarnations of the agency we now call DC Water included the District of Columbia Water Board (1859-1872) and the District of Columbia Board of Public Works (1872-1932).

Beginning in 1932, the Agency operated as the District of Columbia Department of Sanitary Engineering and constructed the first sewage treatment plant at Blue Plains. The Agency went through another transition to the District of Columbia Department of Environmental Services in 1971, then operated as the Water and Sewer Utility Administration (WASUA) under the Department of Public Works from 1985 to 1996. 

On April 18, 1996, following a 30-day Congressional review period, the District Council enacted DC Law 11-111, "The Water and Sewer Authority Establishment and Department of Public Works Reorganization Act of 1996." It was at this time that the District Government initiated the creation of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA), an independent authority of the District of Columbia providing services to the region.  

Among other operational changes, DC WASA's finances were no longer tied to the District's overall budget. This marked a positive change for the organization and its customers since every dollar collected by DC WASA could then be reinvested into operations and capital improvements.  

Like many older East Coast cities, Washington, DC's aging water and sewer infrastructure was in dire need of major renovations and general maintenance. Here, DC WASA began a renewal period to improve delivery of water and wastewater treatment services to the District and regional customers and to improve and replace the water and sewer infrastructure.  

In 2010, DC WASA initiated a rebranding campaign and is now known as DC Water. DC Water has evolved through the years and remains true to it's core mission of providing safe, clean water to the residents of the District of Columbia and surrounding areas.

Enabling Legislation

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

Sep 27
11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sep 28
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sep 29
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

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.