Investments in Infrastructure are Investments in our Future

Investments in Infrastructure are Investments in our Future

In the District of Columbia, most of the sewer system is a separate sewer system. In separate sewer systems, sewage and stormwater are carried through different pipes. Sewage pipes carry raw wastewater to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant and stormwater pipes carry rainwater to local waterways. However, about 1/3 of the District has an older, combined sewer system, or CSS. In combined sewer systems, one pipe carries both wastewater and stormwater runoff.

When it rains heavily in areas served by a combined sewer system, the stormwater and wastewater flow through the same pipe. Some of the pipes aren't big enough to handle the flows of very large rainstorms. Rather than have sewage back up into homes and streets, the combined sewer system sends the overflow water to the local waterways. The result is called a combined sewer overflow, or CSO.

To improve the health of our waterways, DC Water has implemented a large-scale, long-term plan to reduce CSOs in local waterways-our Clean Rivers Project. We will separate the sewer pipes, eliminate several CSO outfalls, build storage tunnels and install green infrastructure. Together, these efforts will significantly improve water quality in the District’s waterways.

By the year 2025, we expect to reduce CSOs in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and Rock Creek by 96% overall. CSOs in the Anacostia will be reduced by 98%.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Rock Creek Trail Site for Potomac River Tunnel Project
Ground Stabilization Work Begins Near Watergate Complex, starting Aug 25

Starting the week of August 25, DC Water will take another big step forward in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. Ground stabilization will begin at the Rock Creek Trail site, near the Watergate Complex, to drill secant piles that will form a retaining wall for the drop shaft.

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
September 2, 2025
Tuesday, 10:00 AM

Upcoming Events

Sep 3
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sep 6
Sep 12
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. 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.