“Update: Clean Rivers Impervious Area Measurements and Implementation Pause
Dear Customer,
We are writing to follow up on a recent letter you received regarding updated measurements used to calculate your Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge (CRIAC).
We want to begin by acknowledging that our initial communication did not provide enough information or time for you to fully understand the change. We also recognize that for many customers, the primary concern is the impact on their bill. In some cases, updated measurements resulted in significant changes, and we understand how disruptive and frustrating this can feel.
The Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge was established in 2009 to fund DC Water’s Clean Rivers Project – a federally mandated program designed to dramatically reduce sewage and stormwater overflows into the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and Rock Creek. The project includes construction of deep underground tunnels, diversion facilities, and green infrastructure to capture and treat wastewater during rain events before it reaches local waterways.
Because impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, driveways, patios, and other paved areas, prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, they contribute directly to stormwater runoff entering the sewer system. CRIAC is designed to allocate the cost of Clean Rivers infrastructure based on how properties contribute to that runoff.
Impervious area measurements were last comprehensively updated in 2016, with the most recent systemwide review completed using updated
aerial imagery in March 2025. The goal of this review was to ensure the most accurate billing based on current property conditions. As a result,the updated measurements included both increases and decreases across customer accounts.
While the measurement process followed long-standing program requirements, we recognize that the changes were not sufficiently explained or
contextualized.
As a result, DC Water is pausing implementation of the updated CRIAC measurements while we improve our communications and outreach.
During this pause, we will:
Provide clearer explanations of how impervious areas are measured
Give customers time to review their property data and understand what changed
Expand outreach and education efforts
Better explain how impervious surfaces affect stormwater runoff and share stormwater management options that could help reduce future
costs
We appreciate your feedback and patience as we strengthen our outreach and ensure customers have the information and time needed to
understand these changes.”