EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Feb 13, 2026 | 05:30 PM

EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Feb 13, 2026 | 01:30 PM

EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Feb 13, 2026 | 01:04 PM

DC Water and DDOT begin restoration activities by assessing roadway in 3rd Street Tunnel

August 26, 2021
3rd Street Tunnel Restoration

Ongoing interagency coordination key to successful response

DC Water and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) are working closely together in the 3rd Street Tunnel to assess the condition of the damaged pavement and to plan restoration activities.

The break, which began early Monday morning, was on an 8-inch water main inside the 3rd Street Tunnel. Crews isolated the break and restored water to customers by Monday evening. DC Water located and repaired the break in the pipeline –that was installed in 1974 and services the fire hydrants in the tunnel – Tuesday night and are now working with DDOT on repair to the pavement. While there, DC Water also plans to evaluate options to further protect the water system within the tunnel to enhance reliability in the future.

Traffic patterns are expected to remain the same throughout the restoration. The northbound travel lanes in the tunnel are open. Southbound lanes of the 3rd Street Tunnel, NW, between New York Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue will remain closed until further notice. Please continue to use alternate routes.

Latest News

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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.

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DC Water CEO David Gadis talks to Chief Operating Officer Matt Brown on site.

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February 12, 2026

Highlights:

  • No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours.
  • Crews continue advancing construction of two new access ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

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New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

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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
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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

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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.