Please Do Not Turn On Hydrants!

June 17, 2009

As temperatures rise this summer, DC WASA reminds District residents that tampering with fire hydrants is unsafe and illegal. The water is pressurized and the force of it coming out of a hydrant can knock a person over, causing injuries. Turning on hydrants without the proper tools can damage the hydrant, its nozzle, and even the underground pipes in the water distribution system. Further, the high volume of water on roadways can wreak havoc with traffic.

To report illegal use of hydrants, please call (202) 612-3400.

Latest News

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.

Trench box being installed to expand excavated area

Repairs are moving forward, with crews closer to reaching a debris dam and large rocks blocking a section of the damaged Potomac Interceptor. Work has been completed to fully extend the excavation site and install trench boxes to stabilize and isolate the additional pipe sections. No overflows entering the Potomac River have occurred in 16 days.

Photo of extended excavation site with trench boxes

The excavation around a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor has been extended and trench boxes installed to provide shoring and stability. This doubles the size of the excavated area, to connect the collapse site with a downstream access point to the Potomac Interceptor.

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
Date
February 26, 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.