EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Jul 04, 2025 | 10:00 PM

EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Jul 04, 2025 | 06:00 PM

EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Jul 04, 2025 | 05:00 PM

DC Water Repairing Sewer Line Near Rock Creek Park;

August 29, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts: John Lisle, DC Water, 202-812-5006
Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles, National Park Service, 202-619-7177

DC Water crews are making repairs to a damaged sewer line in Adams Morgan, near Rock Creek Park. The 24-inch cast iron sewer dates back to 1885. On Wednesday, August 27, a DC Water inspection crew discovered a blockage in the sewer at 20th and Biltmore Streets, NW that resulted in a sanitary sewer overflow out of CSO outfall 40, which discharges to Rock Creek. The sewage did not come in contact with the ground. The overflow was estimated at 1,200 gallons of untreated waste.

DC Water responded immediately, setting up a bypass to direct sewage back into the sewer system while crews work to clear the blockage and make any needed repairs. The bypass was in place Thursday morning, effectively stopping the overflow, and allowing crews to being repairs.

A Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) occurs when untreated wastewater spills or overflows. In this case, the waste was not mixed with stormwater.

The public is cautioned to avoid contact with the water in Rock Creek for 72 hours from below Calvert Street Bridge, south of the National Zoo, to the mouth of Rock Creek.
The NPS discourages public fishing and recommends creek users sanitize equipment which has come into contact with Rock Creek south of the outfall. DC Water advises the public to stay away from any sewer pipe discharge due to the potentially harmful substance it may contain.

With nearly 1,800 miles of sewer lines throughout its service area, DC Water appreciates notification from the public if a sewer back up is suspected. Please call the 24-hour Emergency Command Center at 202-612-3400 at any time to report water or sewer emergencies in the District of Columbia. More information on the sewer system can be found at dcwater.com.

Latest News

Picture of slope near Georgetown University

Lane Closure Expected to Impact Commuters from DC, Maryland, and Virginia

DC Water will begin slope stabilization work along Canal Road Northwest starting around mid-August and is needed before ...

Inspection photo inside Rock Creek Main Interceptor

Ramp Remains Closed Pending Further Assessment

DC Water has completed testing of the Rock Creek Main Interceptor—a major sewer line near the P Street NW ramp to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway—after a ...

Image of woman enjoying the beach with her phone in hand and the words Bill. Click. Pay. With Pay struck out and Play added.

Sign up for eBilling and you could win a $100 bill credit!

DC Water wants you to make the switch to eBilling, it’s fast, easy, and convenient. With just a few clicks, you can manage your water bill ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of slope near Georgetown University
DC Water to Begin Slope Stabilization Work on Canal Road in advance of Potomac River Tunnel Project

Lane Closure Expected to Impact Commuters from DC, Maryland, and Virginia

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
August 14, 2025
Thursday, 1:00 PM