Critical Customers

Essential Information:

What is a Critical Customer?

DC Water 'Critical Customers', as it relates to DC Water emergencies, are defined as consumers or service connections that are critical to community resiliency (public safety or health), or demand a large volume of water to sustain economic resiliency, or service a susceptible population such as and specific to Washington, DC:

  • First Responder Organizations / Police / Fire / EMTs
  • Hospitals / Medical Centers (including dialysis centers)
  • Local / Federal Government Facilities necessary for public safety / health
  • Mass Transit Stations
  • Nursing Homes / Assisted Living / Homeless Shelters
  • Potable Water Haulers
  • Power Provider
  • Public Shelters / Cooling Centers / Water Parks / Municipal Pools
  • Radio / TV Broadcast Centers
  • State / Local Emergency Management Agencies
  • Universities / High Schools / Elementary / Middle Schools / Preschool and Day Care Centers

Notifying all DC Water customers of a water or sewer emergency is one of our highest priorities, but specifically knowing where critical customers are and how to communicate with them assists the whole community in being resilient and in protecting susceptible populations. Emergency notifications are a time sensitive endeavor, and it is important for us to be able to contact critical customers quickly. Filling out the critical customer sign-up helps us by providing up to date locations and contact information for a crucial customer facility.

If you have any questions, please email the Office of Emergency Management at DCWater.OEM@dcwater.com.

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.