DC Water’s next project in the neighborhood: water main and lead pipe replacement

by Marlene Berlin

DC Water, still wrapping up its long-running Soapstone Valley sewer rehabilitation project, is about to start another project in the neighborhood.

Beginning in November, the agency will replace small water mains and lead service lines on Brandywine, Cumberland, Chesapeake and Davenport Streets west of Connecticut Avenue.

Detail of a ward-by-ward map of current and future DC Water projects. The streets marked in lighter green are part of the lead replacement project beginning in November. The streets marked dark green are scheduled for work beginning in summer 2026.

“We’re replacing and updating the existing 12-inch or smaller cast iron water mains,” said DC Water’s Sean Moore at ANC 3F’s September meeting. “The result of that is that we’re going to have improved water quality as well as reliability. In addition to replacing the mains, we’re going to be replacing all the hydrants and the valves. And during this construction, if we find that you have a lead service line, then we are going to replace that for free.”

Public monies are funding the replacement of lead pipes on private property, up to the home’s point of entry.

“Why are we focused on lead service line replacement? Of course, it’s really about the health effects of lead. There’s no safe level of lead,” Moore said. “Lead’s a powerful neurotoxin that damages the brain, kidneys, heart. Every system of the body is impacted by lead.” Children are especially vulnerable.

DC Water is actually replacing two types of service lines. Galvanized pipes are part of the program because they can trap lead particles. While this work is under way, DC Water will be replacing lead and galvanized service lines on several other blocks in ANC 3F.

Moore said that 44% of the eligible homeowners on those blocks have signed up.

DC Water also has a map of service line types. Still not certain? The Tenleytown Ace Hardware sells lead testing kits.

The teams responsible for the water main replacement project and the Soapstone sewer rehabilitation that has closed part of Albemarle Street are coordinating to “help minimize additional traffic impacts on the community,” wrote Sherri Lewis, DC Water’s senior manager of communications, in an email to Forest Hills Connection.