The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority announced new water conservation recommendations on June 4, 2026, as the city faces its driest summer in decades. This follows a drought watch warning issued by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Drought Coordination Committee, which recommends voluntary water conservation measures. According to the National Weather Service, 2026 is on track to be the driest year for the district since 2002, with only 16.65 inches of precipitation recorded so far this year compared to 23.31 inches in 2002.
DC Water advises residents to wash full loads of laundry, turn off faucets while brushing teeth, and limit shower time. The city primarily sources its water from the Potomac River, which flows from the Allegheny Mountains. DC Water CEO David L. Gadis emphasized the importance of this water source, stating, "The Potomac River is our only source of water, and if severe drought conditions threaten that source, we have no other alternatives today."
In an effort to enhance water supply resilience, DC Water launched the Purify Water DC initiative in 2025, which received $21 million in funding to explore solutions for the region's water vulnerability. The driest year on record for the Washington region was 1930, with only 21.66 inches of precipitation.
