DC Water is taking steps to ensure customers have access to safe, clean water during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that has spread across the world and is now a rising public health concern in the District. The utility has already suspended service disconnections for non-payment and is also waiving late fees and offering more lenient repayment terms for customers who fall behind on their bills.

“This global pandemic reminds us how important access to clean water is to protect human health, and we want to do everything we can to help prevent the spread of the virus,” said DC Water CEO David Gadis. “Providing high quality water services is at the core of our mission and that’s never more important than during a crisis like this.”

Health officials say washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

DC Water is suspending service calls that require employees to enter customers’ homes, except for emergencies. That includes scheduled appointments to investigate internal leaks, meter replacements or sets. In addition, meter readers will not enter residential properties to read internal water meters.

The Authority is also encouraging non-essential employees to work from home if possible and is taking additional measures to ensure it can continue to provide water and sewer services throughout the current public health crisis.

For more information, please visit the CDC, EPA and state health department web pages for the latest updates:

o CDC

o EPA - Drinking Water and Wastewater FAQs

o District of Columbia Department of Health

o Maryland Department of Health

o Virginia Department of Health