Protecting our Water to Preserve our Future

DC Water is an environmental steward with a simple goal: to protect the environment and meet or surpass all regulatory standards. We use research, modern technologies, and industry best practices to keep our waterways and land clean and safe.

At the Blue Plains Advance Wastewater Treatment facility, we treat close to 300 million gallons of wastewater every day. That cleaned water then flows into the Potomac River. The biosolids we create are reused in agriculture, providing farmers with fertilizer to help their crops grown and save them money. Treating the water and solids from wastewater keeps excess nitrogen and phosphorous out of our waterways, protecting our water and the plant and animal life within it.

Our Clean Rivers Project will reduce overflows from the combined sewer system and improve flooding conditions around the District. We are also installing green infrastructure in areas around the City to help reduce flooding and treat stormwater runoff. These projects help to improve the health of our local waterways and the quality of life in the District.

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
Five photos from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) ACE26 conference featuring panel discussions, technical presentations, networking, and attendees posing at the ACE26 display.
ACE26 Highlights: How DC Water Advanced the Conversation on Water
More than 80 DC Water employees joined thousands of water professionals in Washington, D.C., sharing expertise, building partnerships and advancing conversations that will help shape the future of water.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 23, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Jul 23
Jul 25

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.