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

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.