Do not flush paper towels, wipes or facial tissues—they clog your pipes and our pumps!

March 27, 2020
Don't flush wipes image

As toilet paper is now so hard to find, many District residents and employees are turning to alternatives. If you must use something other than toilet paper, please be sure to discard it in the trash.

Only toilet paper is designed to break apart in pipes and sewers. Toilet paper goes through extensive testing to ensure that it disintegrates as it is flushed, other products remain intact and obstruct pipes.

Don’t be fooled by wipes packaging claims that these products are flushable. They are not. These and other alternatives may make it down your toilet, but they cause a number of problems on their journey to the wastewater treatment plant. They can, and do, clog pipes causing backups in homes and neighborhoods. Wipes, and other tp alternatives, form giant globs that tangle and damage DC Water’s sewer pumps.

“We know these are trying times,” said DC Water CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis. “But one simple action – to throw these items in the trash rather than flushing them – can save you from even further disruption—and plumber’s fees. Water and sewer services are critical in solving this current health crisis. Please protect our systems and your health.”

More information on protecting your pipes can be found at protectyourpipes.org/

Wipes stuck in equipment at DC Water's Potomac Sewer Pumping Station.

 

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