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

Photo of someone using the tap water with the dates of the annual water line cleaning March 23 - May 4

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets and cabinets. DC Water’s system gets a refresh too!

Starting March 23, DC Water will begin work that helps maintain more than 1,300 miles of water lines across the District. During this time, the disinfectant used in drinking water will temporarily switch from chloramine to chlorine through May 4. This switch helps support overall water quality throughout the year.

Workers doing ongoing rehabilitation work

As work nears completion on the initial clean-up and temporary stabilization of the areas directly impacted by the Potomac Interceptor overflows, DC Water is beginning preparations for beautification and revegetation to restore native plants, trees, and shrubs.

Before moving to the next phase of environmental rehabilitation, DC Water is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct soil sampling to verify the clean-up efforts.

photos of workers with hoses vacuuming out canal

Work is ongoing to complete the initial phase of environmental rehabilitation and temporary stabilization this week in areas directly impacted by the overflows. A small section of the drainage channel along Clara Barton Parkway remains. Preliminary clean-up of the culvert, tributary, and Potomac River shoreline has also been completed.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

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

Mar 21

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.