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

Pure Water DC Logo with DC Water Logo and the text Pure Water DC Launch over graphic image of water

Panel discussion to bring together key partners on the path forward

On November 19, DC Water will launch an ambitious effort – Pure Water DC – to reduce the District’s reliance on the Potomac River as its only water source. We’ll be hosting an event to outline our vision and strategy for resilience and host an expert panel to address one of the most critical challenges facing the nation’s capital.

Map of Water Street and Capital Crescent Trail

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

Beginning on or about November 12, 2025, DC Water will begin preparing for construction on the Potomac River Tunnel on the 3300 block of Water Street NW, beneath the Whitehurst Freeway.

picture of damage inside the RCMI

Construction Nov 7-10, 14-17; Additional Weekend Closures Will Also Be Necessary 

For the next two weekends, beginning Friday evening and continuing through early Monday, November 7-10 and 14-17, a section of the Rock Creek Multi-use Trail near Rose Park—between P Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW— will be temporarily closed for construction. One sounthbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway will also be closed, impacting traffic. This closure is part of ongoing high-priorty repairs to the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI), a major sewer line which transports more than 100 million gallons of wastewater each day.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Map of Water Street and Capital Crescent Trail
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Water Street NW at Georgetown Waterfront Park — Travel Lane and Sidewalk Closures

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

Beginning on or about November 12, 2025, DC Water will begin preparing for construction on the Potomac River Tunnel on the 3300 block of Water Street NW, beneath the Whitehurst Freeway.

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 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. 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.