During a special meeting this week, the DC Water Board of Directors approved setting a $1.5 million budget for DC Water to provide assistance to homeowners impacted by the heavy flooding on September 10.

That program provides direct payment of water and mold remediation for a specific cluster of households that were most severely impacted by the historically high rainfalls. As part of that same program, DC Water is providing free backflow prevention devices, which can effectively keep water and sewage from flooding back into basements, to some residents in communities with high flood risk.

The flooding assistance program was announced last week by DC Water CEO David L. Gadis during a virtual town hall meeting with customers to discuss the aftermath of the flooding.

Eligible homeowners can receive up to $11,000 from the authority - $6,000 for their backflow prevention devices and another $5,000 in floodwater remediation costs. However, only some households are eligible, so customers are encouraged to check on their eligibility first.

DC Water has established a hotline for the Emergency Clean Up Program. Homeowners can call 202-428-5244 (9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday). They can also check the DC Water website at www.dcwater.com/September10Floodingfor more information about how the program will work.

A link to frequently asked questions about the flooding event of last week and resources for customers can be found herewww.dcwater.com/FloodFAQ