M Street Diversion Sewer Project

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Overview

As part of the Clean Rivers Project, the M Street Diversion Sewer was constructed to divert flows from existing combined sewers using three diversion chambers. The diversion chambers convey flow to a series of large sewer tunnels below M Street SE, which connect to the Anacostia River Tunnel near the intersection of Water Street SE. The M Street Diversion Sewer components are designed to deliver a total of 695 million gallons per day of combined sewer flows to the Anacostia River Tunnel. Work along M Street SE also included the rehabilitation of key components of DC Water's existing infrastructure.

Schedule

Construction of the M Street Diversion Sewer was completed in 2014. The diversion chambers and sewers will be placed into permanent operation in March 2018 when the Clean Rivers system is brought online.

Project Location Map

Contact Information

DC Water 24-hr Emergency: (202) 612-3400

DC Water Office of External Affairs: (202) 787-2200

Email: dccleanrivers@dcwater.com

clean river
Clean Rivers

The Clean Rivers Project is DC Water's ongoing program to reduce combined sewer overflows into the District's waterways - the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and Rock Creek. The Project is a massive infrastructure and support program designed to capture and clean water during heavy rainfalls before it ever reaches our rivers.

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
Plastic bottles, cups and other floating debris on the surface of the Anacostia River before the Anacostia River Tunnel began operating.
Cleaner Waterways Start With Everyday Choices
Protecting our waterways starts with everyday actions and continues through critical infrastructure designed to keep pollution out of our rivers.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 28, 2026
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

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.