EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Feb 14, 2026 | 04:14 PM

EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Feb 14, 2026 | 02:52 PM

Ensure High Quality Drinking Water from the Tap

June 19, 2008

Once water leaves the public mains and enters household plumbing, especially for long stagnation periods, water quality may change, resulting in taste and odor problems.

WASA recommends the following steps to improve the quality of drinking water in the home.

The quality of drinking water is affected as it flows through WASA’s 1300-mile distribution system. Water quality may deteriorate before it enters homes.

- If water has been stagnant for more than six (6) hours, run the cold water for approximately two minutes from the faucet before using for drinking or cooking.
- Routinely remove and clean the faucet strainer and aerator to remove debris.
- Regularly replace home water filters as instructed by the manufacturer since used filters can elevate bacteria levels and accumulate metals.
- Drain hot water heaters annually to remove sediment and calcium particles that can affect water pressure.

Latest News

Photo of access pit upstream with four pumps lined up ready for installation

Crews have completed construction of the two new access pits to support full installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. Three high-capacity bypass pumps have been installed and are operational, with a fourth pump expected to be activated later tonight or early Sunday ahead of the forecasted weather to help manage anticipated higher flows associated with rainfall and snowmelt.

Placeholder DC Water Image

No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours as crews continue advancing construction of the two new access pits to support full installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. Additional high-capacity bypass pumps are on site in advance of the forecasted weather on Sunday to help manage anticipated higher flows associated with rainfall and snowmelt.

Photo of concrete being poured through a manhole or access point

DC Water Completes Critical Work, Ensuring Public Safety and Roadway Stability
Tonight, DC Water has reopened the northbound lanes of 14th Street NW between L Street and Thomas Circle, following the successful completion of emergency repairs to a century-old, abandoned sewer tunnel beneath the roadway. These repairs took place over the past week, ensuring the safety and stability of this critical thoroughfare.

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
Date
February 19, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

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.