DC Water

Speaking of Water, DC Water Rates Increase Starting Friday

By Prince Of Petworth

photo by Eric P.

From DC Water:

“Beginning October 2, 2026, DC Water rates will increase by less than six percent. For the average residential customer, the total monthly bill is expected to rise by about $9, from about $147 to $156.

Affordability was a top priority as the new rates were set. The original proposed increase was 7.5 percent. DC Water kept the increase below 6 percent by removing the proposed Public Inconvenience Fee, absorbing those costs, and finding ways to work more efficiently.

Just as costs are rising for everyone, DC Water is also facing increasing operational costs. Materials, fuel, electricity, treatment supplies, construction, and daily operations all cost more. At the same time, DC Water must maintain and improve the systems that provide drinking water, carry and treat wastewater, and protect public health.

Customer payments help to maintain water and sewer services today and invest in improvements to keep the system reliable in the future. The new rates will help pay for: (more…)

DC Water explains the process for “Why they need to keep digging.”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Eric P.

Thanks to DC Water for the explanation:

“We saw the post about LFDC digging and thought we’d let you know what’s happening. What this resident has seen is actually normal. When our LFDC contractors are working in a neighborhood, they will do work at each home multiple times. First, we do a test pit to verify if the line is lead and if it is lead we return again to replace it. We’ll do a temporary restoration on the yard when we complete the work and return later to do the final restoration work. Multiply that by every house in the neighborhood that signs up for LFDC and you get an idea of why our contractors are so frequently in the neighborhood. Most importantly, all of these steps are a critical part of our work to verify lead service lines and provide free replacements.

Here’s a summary outlining the construction schedule so you can see what’s entailed.

The process, visit by visit: (more…)

“When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms.”

By Prince Of Petworth


“Clockwise from top): Overflow area where combined wastewater and stormwater are released into Piney Branch; Work to construct tunnel shaft underway; Construction next to sewer overflow area where tunnel will begin; and Crews working on construction site”

Update from DC Water:

“DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated. (more…)

“it was a “mistake” for our block to get shut off” or was it not?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

So my block 14TH Street NE between Constitution Avenue and C Street has been without water since 9:30 am (and will be until 5:30 p.m.) but DC Water forgot to actually notify us, so no one was prepared. Other nearby streets were notified but not our block. A DC Water guy told me at 10:45 am that it was a “mistake” for our block to get shut off and that it would return quickly, but it never returned.

Plot twist: (more…)

“DC Water Customers in Upper Northwest Cleared to Use Tap Water after Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Lifted”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DC Water:

“** Advisory is Lifted as of 9:00 p.m., June 6, 2026**

DC Water has lifted the precautionary Boil Water Advisory for parts of Upper Northwest DC after testing confirmed the water is safe to drink. All customers in the impacted area may use tap water for all purposes after following the instructions provided below. (more…)

JUST IN: “DC Water Issues Precautionary Boil Water Advisory for Upper Northwest Neighborhoods”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DC Water:

“The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) is issuing a Boil Water Advisory today for some customers in Northwest DC that experienced a loss of water pressure on Friday, June 5, 2026, impacting 4,970 customers.

This is a precautionary notice to customers in the impacted neighborhoods to boil water prior to ingesting, due to water of unknown quality in this localized area of the system. Do not drink the water without boiling it first. This advisory will remain in place until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe to drink.

DC Water advises customers to search their address on the interactive map at dcwater.com or call the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 to determine if they are in the impacted neighborhoods of this advisory. Customers in the impacted area should boil water used for drinking and cooking. Customers outside this area can continue normal water use. (more…)

“DC Water Urges Customers to Conserve Water As Regional Drought Watch Declared”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Diane Krauthamer

From DC Water:

“Dry Conditions, above-average temperatures, and below-normal water levels in the Potomac River have prompted a Drought Watch by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Drought Coordination Committee. A drought watch is triggered when the entire DC region experiences moderate drought, with current conditions some of the most significant the region has experienced in more than 20 years and underscoring the need for Wise Water use and conservation.

DC Water is monitoring conditions in coordination with COG, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington Aqueduct which supplies the District’s drinking water, and other regional water utilities. While DC Water continues to provide safe and reliable drinking water service to customers across the District, prolonged dry weather puts added strain on regional water supplies. That’s why it’s important for everyone to begin taking measures to conserve water. (more…)

PSA: It’s Cleaning of the Pipes Time – Your Tap Water Might Smell Like a Swimming Pool from time to time – FEAR NOT!

By Prince Of Petworth

From DC Water:

“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 the year. (more…)

Speaking of Messes – “Emergency Lane Closures Due to Risk of Collapse—14th Street NW”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Eric Sidle

From DC Water last night around 10pm:

“Northbound lanes of 14th St NW, from L St to Thomas Circle, remain closed due to the risk of roadway collapse over an abandoned sewer tunnel. Detours are in place. Closure expected through the end of the week, weather permitting. Thx for your patience.”

“Traffic Advisory: Emergency Lane Closures Due to Risk of Collapse—14th Street NW south of Thomas Circle
February 08, 2026

DC Water is taking emergency measures with the immediate and ongoing closure of all northbound lanes of 14th Street between L Street NW and Thomas Circle, due to the imminent risk of collapse posed by an abandoned, century-old, brick-lined sewer tunnel beneath the roadway. (more…)

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