Statement on Security of Water Distribution System

February 09, 2021

In the wake of a reported cyber breach of the water treatment system in Oldsmar, Florida on Friday, February 5, DC Water Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David L. Gadis issued the following statement:

DC Water purchases drinking water from the Army Corps of Engineers’ Washington Aqueduct and distributes it across the District of Columbia. DC Water utilizes extensive physical and cyber security measures to prevent unauthorized access to its distribution systems and to protect the water supply. That includes conducting thousands of water quality tests annually throughout the city.

We never discuss our specific cyber security protections publicly, but I can assure you we are ever vigilant in protecting and monitoring our systems to ensure the safety and quality of the water we deliver. 
 

Latest News

Graphic with meeting information

DC Water is inviting Maryland residents to join us tonight for a community meeting at Walt Whitman High School at 7 p.m. for an update about ongoing repair efforts on a section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line that failed, directly impacting the surrounding Montgomery County communities. The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions, learn about planned environmental restoration efforts, and next steps in the emergency repair and long-term rehabilitation efforts.

Photo of remaining rocks and debris

DC Water has made significant progress toward repairing a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor. Crews are nearly done removing a rock and debris dam that was blocking the pipe. Several feet of rocks and debris remain to be cleared and is expected to be completed overnight. Ongoing work continues to maintain bypass pumping operations 24/7 with no overflows reported for 17 days.

Graphic with the information for the Community Meeting

As DC Water continues repair efforts on the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, we want to provide an opportunity for the community to engage with us on Wednesday, February 25, to ask questions, and learn more about the response, impacts to the Potomac River, and next steps in the emergency repair and long-term rehabilitation efforts.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Map of lane closure
Traffic Advisory: Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Lane Closure Beginning Jan 19

Beginning on or about January 19, 2026, weather permitting, DC Water will implement a temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW b

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

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. 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.