Very odd looking to be a utility marking (the white writing). Probably a gang tag. The red looks like utility markings, but not the white. Why would a utility marking need to write the street name (21st)?

There is a fair amount of graffiti in Dupont and it’s all mindless, amateur tags like above. There is large Verizon utility box on my street that gets repainted every few months and within days it’s tagged with more idiotic markings. One of my tenants saw some kids paint boobs on the back of my building. The kids were very young, so I don’t think there is anything gang related. There are more kids messing around with stuff in Dupont than you might think, even on the weekends when they are not walking to/from the local schools. Every time I speak to an officer in the area, they are looking for some kids that did this or that…

Red=electric, blue=water, yellow=gas, orange=phone. Not sure I’ve ever seen white used, especially in this manner. You can always call Miss Utility and ask.

And no, the city/utility do not remove the markings once they are finished with the project. It’s my understanding that the type of paint they use is supposed to wash away after several months. I could be wrong about the type of paint, but I’m not about the city/utility removing it. It’s there till it goes away.

M Street between 14th and 15th has loads of red and white markings all over the street and sidewalks. Crews have been laying new cable around the area for months. Does that stuff ever wear off?