Utilities

Good news: “DC Water Lifts Boil Water Advisory for affected customers in Upper NW DC”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DC Water:

“All DC Water customers in the impact area under the precautionary boil water advisory can use tap water for all purposes after following the instructions provided below.

DC Water issued the precautionary boil water advisory on Thursday, June 12, as a conservative measure to protect public health due to a loss of power at a pumping station. This led to a temporary loss of water pressure in the impacted area and was not associated with a water main break. We sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience while we have taken the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the tap water we deliver.

DC Water lifted the precautionary boil water advisory after tests confirmed that drinking water meets all water quality safety standards. (more…)

NW DC Boil Water Advisory Update – Keep Boiling! “Could be lifted later tonight.”

By Prince Of Petworth

Update 7:23pm: “The Boil Water Advisory is still in effect as we complete testing on a second round of water samples. This process takes 18 hours, and we’re working with urgency to get results.

We expect to share an update later this evening.”

From DC Water:

“UPDATE: Boil Water Advisory remains in effect for parts of Northwest DC. A second round of water samples has been collected.

If results are clear, the advisory could be lifted later tonight. (more…)

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

By Prince Of Petworth

From DC Water:

“DC Water Issues Precautionary Boil Water Advisory for Upper Northwest Neighborhoods

Impacted neighborhoods include areas of Chevy Chase DC, Friendship Heights, Tenleytown, AU Park, Spring Valley, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Van Ness, Glover Park, Wesley Heights, and Cathedral Heights

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory today for some customers in Northwest D.C., due to a loss of water pressure, impacting 4,929 customers.

This is a precautionary notice to customers in the impacted area to boil water that may be ingested due to water of unknown quality in this localized area of the system. When water service is restored, customers should 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 impact area 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.

Customers in the impact area should follow this guidance at this time: (more…)

DC Attorney General “warns DC residents about third-party energy companies using deceptive and potentially illegal sales tactics to pressure or trick DC consumers into switching energy providers.” Doesn’t specifically call out you know who…

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: The Office of PoPville has been warning about these techniques for YEARS, most recently in April.

From the DCAG’s Office:

“Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued the below consumer alert to warn DC residents about third-party energy companies using deceptive and potentially illegal sales tactics to pressure or trick DC consumers into switching energy providers. These third-party energy companies also often charge more for energy than Pepco or Washington Gas. (more…)

“UPDATE: Section of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave in Southeast DC to remain closed for multiple days to repair road damaged by water main break”

By Prince Of Petworth

Update:

“As of 5:30 p.m. service has been restored to all homes, businesses, and apartments affected by the water main break and has been updated below. Work continues on road repairs.”

“DC Water is nearing the completion of repairs on a broken 8-inch water main on Martin Luther King Jr. Ave Southeast; however, motorists are advised to continue to steer clear of the road. It’s expected to remain closed between Howard Rd and Talbert Street through Tuesday and possibly longer.

Water service is expected to be restored to homes, businesses, and apartments affected by the water main break later this evening. Work will then begin to stabilize and reconstruct the compromised road. This is expected to require the entire road to remain closed, curb to curb, for repair and repaving.

Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes such as I-295 to avoid lengthy delays in the area. Those unable to avoid the area should maintain caution and adhere to the following detours: (more…)

“DC Water mobilizes for emergency repair of major sewer line at risk of collapse and endangering Rock Creek”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DC Water on Friday:

“DC Water is preparing for emergency repairs on a large sewer line next to Rock Creek, after discovering significant structural issues. The six-foot pipeline, known as the Rock Creek Main Interceptor, carries as much as 100 million gallons of wastewater a day and could cause significant environmental harm if a failure occurred. (more…)

“Frustrated by Washington Gas and a crazy high bill”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’m reaching out because I’ve been caught in a pretty frustrating situation with Washington Gas, and I’m curious if anyone has ever dealt with something similar.

I moved into a one-bedroom apartment (~650 sqft) about a year ago. For the first 7 months, my monthly gas bill was in the $30–40 range, which matched what the previous tenant had paid (they lived here for five years and never saw a bill over $40). The tenant below me (who has a larger apartment) also tracks that range similarly. Based on my past apartments and shared housing situations, that seemed totally normal.

Then, out of nowhere, my January bill jumped to $600. After a few calls, (more…)

Your Tap Water May Smell Like a Swimming Pool Soon – Fear Not, Spring Cleaning “1300 miles of water lines” almost here!

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Jeanette.Cook

From DC Water:

“It’s that time of year, when you start your spring cleaning and DC Water does too! Beginning on March 24 through May 4, we’ll be disinfecting our 1300 miles of water lines. It’s part of routine maintenance every spring to keep the pipes clean and free of any harmful bacteria.

During this time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Washington Aqueduct, which supplies water to DC Water, will temporarily switch from a chloramine disinfectant to chlorine. This won’t affect the safety of your tap water, but you may notice a slight change in smell and taste. (more…)

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