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.

Photo of drainage channel with soil stabilization and grass growing in
26 March, 2026

DC Water, in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency, is evaluating soil samples from areas directly impacted by the Potomac Interceptor overflows, where the initial clean-up is complete. This includes the drainage channel along Clara Barton Parkway, Rock Run Culvert (Culvert 12), and the unnamed tributary to the Potomac River.

Map of work locations
25 March, 2026

Starting the evening of Friday, March 27, and continuing through the early morning of Monday, March 30, essential repairs will be underway as part of a high-priority project on the Rock Creek Main Interceptor (RCMI) near Rose Park.

Overhead Photo of Potomac Interceptor
24 March, 2026

Comprehensive Survey to Guide Rehabilitation and Address Changing Site Conditions

Starting later this week, DC Water will conduct an aerial drone assessment along the 54-mile Potomac Interceptor (PI) to evaluate current site conditions and better understand the changing landscape and development along the Potomac Interceptor alignment, including areas where there may be rocks or boulders that ...

Photo showing work between locks 13 and 14 where sludge has been removed
24 March, 2026

DC Water has completed sludge removal on a section of the C & O Canal between locks 13 and 14, which was used as a bypass to divert wastewater around the collapsed section of the Potomac Interceptor and back into the pipe further downstream. Crews are now constructing an access bridge to this section of the canal to allow soil removal to begin.

Workers doing ongoing rehabilitation work
20 March, 2026

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 ...

Photo of someone using the tap water with the dates of the annual water line cleaning March 23 - May 4
20 March, 2026

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 ...

photos of workers with hoses vacuuming out canal
19 March, 2026

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.

photo of freshwater dam at lock 14 with water being pumped out
18 March, 2026
  • DC Water and its contractors are now working between locks 13 and 14 in the C & O Canal to vacuum out sludge and muck left behind by the bypass pumping system, that directed wastewater around the damaged Potomac Interceptor and back into the pipe further downstream.
  • The freshwater dam at Lock 14, is now complete, and water is being pumped into the canal to help flush out the sludge and debris, for ...
Community Meeting Graphic
17 March, 2026

While DC Water has completed the emergency repair of the Potomac Interceptor, we are committed to transparent communication with the community who still have questions about the work and ongoing environmental rehabilitation efforts. As part of this open dialogue, we are reminding community members of additional opportunities to engage with DC Water at two community meetings this week: tomorrow ...

workers spraying and mucking sludge from canal
17 March, 2026
  • After three days of stable operations following completion of emergency repairs to restore flow to the Potomac Interceptor, the bypass pumping system is being demobilized. Crews have begun disassembling the bypass pipes and removing them from the upstream section of the interceptor, where pumps were used to divert wastewater around the collapse site and back into the interceptor further downstream ...

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
April 7, 2026
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

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.