DC Water's

News & Updates

At DC Water, we understand the importance of keeping our community informed about our services, projects, and achievements. Our news web page serves as a reliable source for the latest information on a range of topics.

contract for construction of the Potomac River Tunnel (PRT)
5 May, 2026

DC Water has nearly completed construction site preparation for the Piney Branch Tunnel project, including tree removal, and installation of fences, erosion and sediment controls, utilities, and trailers. To complete site setup a section of Piney Branch Parkway will be relocated before starting the shaft and tunnel work.

On or about May 12, 2026, Piney Branch Parkway will be closed between Arkansas ...

The Capital Crescent Trail will shift north and remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.
5 May, 2026

DC Water will initiate the next phase of construction at the Capital Crescent Trail site near the Aqueduct by opening a temporary trail around the work zone. The new trail will open on or about May 6, 2026. Safety features will include rumble strips, traffic mirrors, and overhead protection. The following week, DC Water will resume preparing for deep excavation by drilling reinforced steel columns ...

Workers clearing impacted soil from Lock 10
5 May, 2026

Workers are excavating potentially impacted soil and rocks by hand from the ground at the bottom of the canal’s locks, to avoid damaging the historic structures with excavators or other heavy equipment.

Graphic for the May 11th Meeting
30 April, 2026

DC Water invites residents to join the next Lead Free DC virtual community meeting on May 11 where LFDC experts will talk about how construction may affect yards and outdoor spaces.

Photo of section of Canal where soil has been removed
30 April, 2026
  • This week crews worked to remove the remaining soil from Locks 11 to 13 in the section of the C&O Canal that was used as an emergency bypass after the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line.
  • Work began on Lock 10, with the majority of the soil removal expected to be completed by the end of next week.
  • Parallel efforts are also underway in advance of the accelerated rehabilitation of more than ...
A section of the canal where the soil has been removed
28 April, 2026
  • Crews are close to completing the removal of remaining soil from Locks 11 to 13 in the section of the C&O Canal that was used as an emergency bypass after the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line.
  • Work began on Lock 10, with the majority of the soil removal expected to be completed by the end of next week.
  • Tree removal continues after DC Water received the permits to move forward as part ...
Excavation site outside the I-495 Beltway showing section of the PI
23 April, 2026

Crews completed cleaning on Lock 11 of the C & O Canal as prescribed by the National Park Service, with soil removal also nearing completion within the lock area. Tree removal is also underway, after DC Water received the permits to move forward as part of the site preparations for the long-term accelerated rehabilitation of more than 2700 linear feet of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line that had ...

Photo of long stretch of C & O Canal with soil removed
21 April, 2026

DC Water has excavated a section of the Potomac Interceptor along Clara Barton Parkway, outside the I-495 Beltway as part of the accelerated rehabilitation of more than 2700 linear feet of the interceptor that was previously planned. As part of the long-term rehabilitation project, crews are beginning to remove trees which is necessary to construct a bypass chamber that will divert wastewater ...

contract for construction of the Potomac River Tunnel (PRT)
20 April, 2026

DC Water issues the following statement in response to the complaints filed by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Potomac Interceptor sewer overflow into the Potomac River that occurred on January 19, 2026:

DC Water is fully committed to the long-term rehabilitation of the Potomac Interceptor ...

The shields for the tunnel boring machine Mary being lowered by cranes into the shaft
20 April, 2026

Recognition highlights DC Water’s commitment to environmental stewardship during Earth Month

DC Water has been honored with the “Green Bond of the Year – US Muni Bond” Award by Environmental Finance, a leading industry publication. This achievement celebrates DC Water’s leadership in sustainability and its dedication to responsible municipal financing.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

The Capital Crescent Trail will shift north and remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.
Capital Crescent Trail Pattern Change

DC Water will initiate the next phase of construction at the Capital Crescent Trail site near the Aqueduct by opening a temporary trail around the

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

May 7
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
May 16
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

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.