Over the past couple of weeks, we at Forest Hills Connection have been preoccupied with water – what happens when it’s missing, what happens when we suddenly have a lot, and the many forms it takes.
Water is also the theme of today’s post.
On Monday, January 22nd, ANC 3F Commissioner and Chair Courtney Carlson (and at least one X user) alerted DC Water, DC Parks and Recreation, and fellow Commissioner Teri Huet to a leak at Forest Hills Playground.
@dcwater water leak at forest hills playground in NW pic.twitter.com/QRJmMQLFF1
— Brad O'Neil (@Brad_ONeil) January 22, 2024
DC Water sent a crew that evening to investigate, and determined the service line leak was DPR’s responsibility. Meanwhile, water continued to spill from the fixture. The playground is in Huet’s single-member district, and she describes how she and other public servants marshalled the necessary forces to stop the leak the following day.
“This was a public safety issue of grave concern, especially with the cold weather and temps near freezing,” Huet wrote in an email. “It was a team effort to resolve the issue.”
The concern was such that Huet called the MPD Second District, who directed her to the Office of Unified Communication. (“The kind lady who listened and heard the concern in my voice was spectacular! Although, I would not have reached her without Officer Baker,” said Huet). DC Fire and EMS arrived to see if they could help. They could not, but “it was neat watching the Fire Department pull up, and jump into action,” Huet said.
“When all avenues had been exhausted, I called the Mayor’s Office for Community Relations for support, and provided a two minute and 45 second video detailing the issue. I needed them to hear the babbling brook. And, with the necessary supporting information, along with explaining the resources who had already been contacted with results from those contacts, the DC Department of General Services was contacted and they came very quickly, and worked fast to stop the running water.”
Huet advises that if you notice an issue, call 311 or use the 311 app to report it. Then, let your advisory neighborhood commission know about it.
“As ANCs, we are afforded city support and contacts that help and support our community, so it is essential for our fellow neighbors (aka constituents) to contact your respective commission for support and assistance,” wrote Huet. “We are here to help.”
“Emailing [email protected] is a great way to find your ANC SMD commissioner and to get to know that person while sharing the concerns that affect or interest you or your neighbors.”
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