Don't Flush Prescription Drugs

June 19, 2008

Do you have any unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs? To protect our water quality, customers are encouraged to dispose of leftover prescription medications in a safe and environmentally-conscious way, not in the sink or toilet.

Most medications should be taken out of their original containers and thrown in the trash. Make sure you remove your name or any other identifying information from packaging before discarding. Mixing prescription drugs with coffee grounds or used kitty litter and placing them in plastic sealable bags is another safe way to dispose of unused medicines. Also, check with your pharmacy or healthcare provider to see if they have a drug return or disposal program before disposing of prescription drugs.

You should flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the label instructs doing so. This may apply to small amounts of liquid syrups. If the label says to contact your local municipal authority, then do not flush medicines down the toilet or sink. Improper disposal of prescription medications can harm the water supply for people and wildlife downstream.

Latest News

View of Mary at bottom of shaft inside tunnel shown from above

First turn of cutterhead signals the start of excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project

In a defining moment for one of the District’s largest infrastructure investments, DC Water has marked its next major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The first tunnel boring machine, Mary, has launched her northbound journey breaking through the soil to signal the start of excavation.

With the first turn of Mary’s drill-like cutterhead underground, the machine pushed forward to begin tunneling, representing the transition from years of planning and preparation to active tunnel construction on the $819 million project.

Photo of the vegetation growing back in the culvert area
  • DC Water has completed soil removal, utilizing excavators and manual digging, to expose the clay lining for the C & O Canal between locks 13 and 14. This is the final step in the clean-up process ...
Workers manually removing soil between the locks

Work is progressing on the clean-up for the C & O Canal which was used as a bypass while the Potomac Interceptor was repaired. Workers are focused on removing sludge between locks 11 and 12. Soil removal is also nearly complete between locks 12 and 14, reaching the canal's clay liner. Workers are now manually removing additional materials in some areas.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

View of Mary at bottom of shaft inside tunnel shown from above
DC Water Launches Tunnel Boring Machine Mary, Marking Important Step for Potomac River Tunnel Project

First turn of cutterhead signals the start of excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project

In a defining moment for one of the District’s largest infrastructure investments, DC Water has marked its next major milestone in the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The first tunnel boring machine, Mary, has launched her northbound journey breaking through the soil to signal the start of excavation.

With the first turn of Mary’s drill-like cutterhead underground, the machine pushed forward to begin tunneling, representing the transition from years of planning and preparation to active tunnel construction on the $819 million project.

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
April 15, 2026
Wednesday, 9:30 AM

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.