COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Highlights
- Tap water is safe to drink
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Get vaccinated
- Wear a mask and practice social distancing especially if you are not vaccinated
- Don’t flush wipes, paper towels or anything other than toilet paper
Help is Available
We know coronavirus pandemic has taken an economic toll on many of our customers. In response, we have launched DC Water Cares, a new program to assist customers who have fallen behind on their water bills. In addition, we are now offering emergency assistance to people who rent in multi-family buildings. Learn More
Scam warning
We want to remind customers to be wary of any scams, including phone scams demanding payment for continued water service or offers of special water filters to provide protection from COVID-19. DC Water is not disconnecting customers during this pandemic and even went a step further, restoring service for those recently disconnected. We may contact past due customers to make payment or payment arrangements; however, we will never ask for personal payment information over the phone. More Information
You can count on us
These are challenging times that test every organization and every contingency plan. But our employees have met the challenge head on, embracing their critical role in protecting public health and ensuring when you need it, there is water. Thank you!
A Message to our customers from CEO David Gadis
At DC Water, safety is our top priority. Water plays a critical role in protecting public health, especially to help contain the spread of infectious diseases like the coronavirus (COVID-19). At DC Water, we took numerous precautions and proactive steps to ensure we could continue to serve you throughout the public health emergency and provide everyone in the District of Columbia with safe, clean drinking water.
As part of the District's critical infrastructure, the Authority has continued to operate throughout the pandemic. As our front line heroes have courageously handled the day-to-day needs of our systems, our administrative personnel continue to provide world class service while working remotely. The health and safety of our customers and our employees continues to guide our decision-making as we manage the continuing threat of COVID-19.
Updates
December 22, 2021: Mayor Bowser Issues Mayor’s Order on Vaccine Entry Requirement. Read More
July 12, 2021: Mayor Bowser Welcomes Back DC Government Employees. Read the Full Story
May 25, 2021: DC Water expands enrollment for multifamily customer assistance program. Learn more
February 4, 2021: DC Water announces two new programs to help customers impacted by the pandemic. Click here for details
December 18, 2020: District Government creates special webpage to compile utility assistance resources for residents. Visit the page
December 15, 2020: DC Water announces it will participate in a national study on wastewater surveillance for the coronavirus. Read the full story
December 7, 2020: Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-123 to modify the District’s Phase Two requirements regarding sports and recreation. More
October 7, 2020: Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an order extending the public health emergency in the District through December 31, 2020. Click here to read the Order
June 22, 2020: The District of Columbia Government entered into Phase Two of reopening the city. Click here for details
June 9, 2020: Our Customer Care Associates can once again assist customers with most services over the phone. See details below
May 29, 2020: The District of Columbia Government begins Phase One of reopening the city. Click here to read the Mayor's Order and new health guidance.
May 20, 2020: Our Incident Management Team has issued updated guidance covering the required usage of face coverings by approved contractors and visitors to DC Water facilities. You can read the guidance here.
May 20, 2020: DC Water is resuming taps, abandonments and meter sets in a limited capacity. Scheduling will be based on crew availability and the need to prioritize the health and safety of DC Water employees and customers. Details
April 29, 2020: Mayor Bowser has formed a ReOpen DC Advisory Group to develop recommendations on reopening the District safely and sustainably. The Advisory Group is asking members of the public to share their ideas and input. You can take the survey here.
April 16, 2020: Flushing guidance is available for building water systems following periods of low or no use. Details
March 31, 2020: The Permit Office at 1100 4th Street SW is currently closed to the public. Until further notice, plan submissions cannot be made in person. Plans must be submitted by mail or email. Details
March 30, 2020: Due to the ongoing health emergency, the April meeting of the DC Water Board of Directors and all Board committee meetings in April will be held online using Microsoft Teams. Information about how to join the meetings will be included in the meeting agendas posted on the Board Calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will COVID-19 impact my water quality?
Tap water is safe to drink. There is no evidence COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus can survive in treated drinking water. The same disinfectants, like chlorine, that make the water safe to drink, are effective against COVID-19. DC’s drinking water has two stages of disinfection during the water treatment process before it is distributed to the city. The first stage is free chlorine and the second is chloramine, both very effective at killing viruses. Additionally, residual disinfection levels throughout our pipe distribution system remain at effective levels to keep the water clean and safe. Click here for more information.
How can I reach Customer Service?
Our Customer Care Associates can once again assist customers with most services over the phone. Please be patience as wait times may be longer than normal. If you need to contact us, please use one of the following options:
- Call Customer Service during regular business hours at (202)354-3600
- Use our website or automated phone system at (202)354-3600 to make payments or inquire about your balance
- Use our online Report a Problem feature at dcwater.com/reportaproblem for questions about your account including new options for billing inquiries, bill disputes, installment plans and service restoration
- For installment payment options, email us at credit.collection@dcwater.com
- For general questions about your account, email us at customer.service@dcwater.com
- To restore water service, email us at Restore@dcwater.com
- Download the My DC Water mobile app or create an online account at mydcwater.com
If you have a water or sewer emergency, please call our 24-hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400.
* Please do not use this number for routine inquiries about your account so customers with emergencies can reach our dispatchers without delay*
What to do if COVID-19 is affecting you financially
Please reach out to us to discuss the assistance programs available, including emergency relief for past-due balances, monthly bill discounts and payment plans. Please call us at 202-354-3600.
Press Releases
- Aug 19 DC Water expands customer assistance programs as late fees resume September 1
- May 25 DC Water expands enrollment for multifamily customer assistance program
- Feb 4 DC Water Will Offer Unique Assistance Program to Benefit Customers who Rent
- Dec 15 DC Water Joins Important National Study on Wastewater Surveillance for Coronavirus
- Sept 3 DC Water Board of Directors Boosts Customer Assistance with New Rate Structure
- May 21 DC Water advises flushing building plumbing systems with fresh water before resuming normal operations
- May 12 DC Water Announces Emergency Funding to Help Residents Pay Outstanding Water Bills During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis
- April 6 DC Water Delivers a new wave of distance learning
- April 2 Beware of Scam Callers
- March 31 DC Water Expands Virtual Meeting Presence for Public
- March 27 Do not flush paper towels, wipes or facial tissues—they clog your pipes and our pumps
- March 25 DC Water reminds District residents that tap water is safe and convenient
- March 24 DC Water GM Leads National Effort to Secure Water & Wastewater Funding for Communities Impacted by COVID-19
- March 22 DC Water Restores Water Service for Disconnected Residents
- March 20 Letter to Customers From CEO and General Manager David Gadis
- March 17 DC Water Working to Minimize Disruptions in Water Service to Customers
- March 13 DC Water Takes Steps to Protect Public Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Other Resources
- CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
- EPA - Drinking Water and Wastewater FAQs - https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-drinking-water-and-wastewater#tapwater
- District of Columbia Department of Health - https://dchealth.dc.gov/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-frequently-asked-questions-faqs
- Maryland Department of Health - https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx
- Virginia Department of Health - http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/