DC Water’s Post

As Florida prepares for the impacts of Hurricane Milton, we recognize the potential for catastrophic damage not seen in decades. The Category 3 hurricane has the potential for widespread disruption to water & sewer services inundated by heavy rains and storm surge. We share our concern for the safety of everyone in the storm's path. Over the past few days water & sewer utilities in Florida have done all they can to prepare and stand ready to respond in the aftermath. At DC Water we have a saying 'Water is Life,' something made clear when access is cut off to safe, clean drinking water and sewer mains are overwhelmed. Despite the risks, many of our counterparts in Florida are sheltering through the storm with first responders and other safety critical workers to begin recovery efforts when the storm passes. Restoring water & sewer services may be an enormous challenge for our fellow utilities but it is vital to public health and safety. We commend those heroes who will be doing the work and will keep their safety and well-being in our hearts and minds. #hurricanemilton

This is an appreciation post for a piece of history that stands out from the crowd because its lying down. And because it's helped supply drinking water in the District of Columbia for close to 120 years. Pump 11 is the only horizontal pump at the Bryant Street Pumping Station in Northwest DC. Now, a project to repair and reinstall this old stalwart is nearing completion, a feat pulled off with precision and care by our dedicated maintenance team.

As we mark #SourceWaterProtectionWeek, it is imperative we protect the Potomac River as a vital resource. Our water system, designed in the 1800's, needs another option than just the Potomac River. A second water source will provide redundancy and improve resilience, and together with investments in operational changes, water reuse options, and improvements to our distribution system, we can secure a resilient water supply. #ProtecttheSource #SDWA50

A lot of people are talking about the impact a disruption in our water supply would have on the local economy. That's why during #SourceWaterProtectionWeek we are asking local residents to help protect our only source of water, the Potomac River. Together we can ensure everyone has continuous access to clean drinking water. #ProtectTheSource

Our Lead Free DC program is hosting its first citywide community event this coming weekend!   Want to learn more about the impact of lead and how LFDC is replacing lead service lines for FREE? Join us at the Lead Free for Me event on Saturday, October 5th from 10 AM to 2PM!   We’ll have fun activities, entertainment, and food for the whole family! It’s going to be an informative and exciting event.   Come for the info, stay for the fun! See you there! 👋"

The release of a new report on the economic and fiscal costs of a disruption in our water supply generated significant media coverage this week. In this NBC4 Washington story, our CEO David L. Gadis spoke to reporter Mark Segraves about potential options to improve our resilience, including #waterreuse.

A new report released today by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) spells out disaster if D.C.’s water supply is disrupted. We need a viable backup water source to prevent harm to our quality of life and local economy. CEO David L. Gadis joined fellow leaders to call for Congressional action today: https://lnkd.in/efTzCTCc

Is anything more on-brand than a water utility having boats? We have several of them, performing an important public service and helping beautify our rivers.

The Potomac River Tunnel Project team is participating in DC Water’s Mentor Protégé Program! In support of DC Water's Fair Share Objectives, the CBNA (Civil & Building North America Inc.)-Halmar International Clean Rivers JV is leveraging this Program to help develop the capacity of disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses. The project's lead designer, COWI-Hatch is mentoring two DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) firms and has developed a 9-module training program focused on contracting and business development. Today we shine a spotlight on one of them – Wave Civil LLC! Wave Civil is a certified disadvantaged civil engineering design & construction management firm located in the DC metro area. Wave Civil takes pride in being a one-stop shop for all civil engineering planning, design, permitting, and construction support services and they have expertise in developing and supporting water and wastewater projects and programs. Visit www.dcwater.com/prt to learn more about the Potomac River Tunnel project.

Here's a thought: write your own emails and save water at the same time.