overview

The Anacostia Force Main (AFM) is a 33,000-foot pipeline made of 108-inch diameter prestressed concrete cylinder pipe. It was built to carry up to 305 million gallons per day (mgd). During an inspection conducted in connection with emergency work in July 2025, DC Water identified structural concerns that require timely repair to maintain reliable service. Because the AFM serves as a primary conveyance of flows from WSSC’s Pump Station, maintaining its integrity is critical to protecting surrounding communities and the environment.  These repairs are a top priority and are included in DC Water’s Capital Improvement Program. Work will occur along Anacostia Avenue NE near Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

scope of work

• Excavation and installation of approximately 1,200 linear feet of 84-inch diameter redundant pipeline parallel to the existing AFM, for temporary flow diversion while rehabilitation work is completed on the existing pipe and future redundancy.
• Structural rehabilitation of approximately 1,200 linear feet of the existing force main.
• Cleaning of the existing force main
• Replacement of air release valves

schedule

• Anticipated construction starts: November 2026
• Anticipated construction completion: November 2027
• Normal work hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (10-hour workdays)
• The contractor will work at night or on weekends, depending upon certain construction activities, inclement weather, and approval by regulatory stakeholders (e.g. NPS)

important information 

• DC Water will work to ensure disruptions are minimized during construction operations and will restore all work sites to their original condition upon completion of the project.
• The construction activities are limited to wastewater infrastructure and will not affect DC Water’s drinking water system.

traffic 

• Lane closures and flagging operations may be required daily for each phase of construction to maintain traffic in the construction work zone. All Traffic Control Plans will be approved by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

• Notifications regarding “No-Parking” zones will be posted 72 hours prior to construction, in certain areas in and around the job site, as required by DDOT.

partners

• In addition to working closely with the National Park Service, DC Water is working to ensure minimal disruption during this project. Regular updates will be provided to impacted residents, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7D, Ward 7 representatives in the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, and Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder and members of his staff.