5/14/10 -- Washington Aqueduct Returns to Chloramine to Disinfect Area Tap Water
Yearly Treatment Change Concludes
Washington, DC —Beginning May 18, the Washington Aqueducts water treatment plants will resume using chloramine (chlorine plus ammonia) for drinking water disinfection. The Washington Aqueduct treats and provides water to the District of Columbia, Arlington County and the City of Falls Church in Virginia.
Chloramine provides long-lasting protection as water flows through the District’s large distribution system and to the tap. Chloramine also lowers the levels of certain byproducts of water disinfection — known as disinfection byproducts (DBPs) — that are associated with potential health risks.The temporary use of free chlorine instead of chloramine, which began February 1, is a standard practice in the water utility industry. It is an annual process used to keep water mains clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria throughout the year.
As always, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) will monitor the drinking water regularly to ensure it meets or exceeds federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Customers may continue to notice a chlorine taste and odor for an additional week before the chloramine reaches the entire water distribution system. This taste may be reduced by refrigerating a pitcher of drinking water overnight.
Those people who take special precautions to remove chlorine from tap water, such as users of dialysis machines, operators of medical facilities or owners of aquatic pets should also take the appropriate precautions for removing chloramine.
Information About Lead in Water
Lead in drinking water originates from lead service lines or from internal plumbing and fixtures that contain some elements of lead. Studies have also shown that household galvanized plumbing connected to a lead service line can accumulate lead and release it into the drinking water, even after the lead service line is removed.
As was widely reported, the Washington Aqueduct’s conversion in November 2000 from free chlorine to chloramine later resulted in a substantial change in lead release in District homes with lead service lines. At the time, this disinfectant change was required to meet more stringent federal regulations limiting the acceptable concentrations of DBPs produced when free chlorine reacts with organic matter in the raw water. The addition of orthophosphate to the water treatment process in 2004 caused lead releases to decline, and this practice continues to this day.
Over the past several years, the Washington Aqueduct has changed the water chemistry to free chlorine for a temporary period each spring. Household testing has not shown elevated lead levels above the EPA’s action level as a result of this change. DC WASA will continue to sample households with lead service lines to ensure that the temporary change in treatment does not result in elevated lead levels in District homes.
In general, District residents should contact DC WASA to determine if their water service lines are lead and remove all sources of lead in the household. Pregnant women and children under the age of six should use filtered tap water for drinking, and to prepare infant formula or concentrated juices, until all sources of lead are replaced.
For additional information or questions on water quality and lead, please contact the DC WASA Water Quality Division at (202) 612-3440 or visit www.dcwasa.com/waterquality. After hours, customers may call the 24-hour Emergency Call Center at 202-612-3400.
DC WASA: 202-612-3440 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or 202-612-3400 (24-hour)
DC WASA General Manager George S. Hawkins is available for interviews.
-END-
17 May 2010
13 May 2010
Fenty Administration Launches (TOPS)
Fenty Administration Launches New Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS)
Story at a Glance
•Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein announce the launch of the new District Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS).
(Washington, DC) – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein announce the launch of the new District Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS). The new intuitive, online system enables home owners, tenants, and businesses alike to apply for the specific type of public space occupancy, construction, excavation, annual or rental permit required for use of the public space within the District of Columbia from home, from conveniently placed kiosks at local Metropolitan Police Department District offices or DDOT’s Public Space Permit Office at 1100 4th Street in southwest.
“This new state-of-the-art program will provide for a more transparent and enforceable public space program,” said Mayor Fenty. “In addition, it will save residents and contractors precious time by streamlining the application process and significantly decreasing the hours formally spent at the Public Permit Center.”
DDOT’s TOPS system allows the public to go on-line to apply for any available public space permit. Whether you need to occupy metered or unmetered curbside parking, sidewalk, alley or travel lane areas for your activity or construction related work.
Once registered, the system makes it easy for the user to log into an account any time to apply for a permit, edit an application, upload plans electronically, or check the status of an application.
“We are very excited to launch the TOPS system,” said DDOT Director Klein. “People can now go to any MPD station, apply for emergency or reserved parking signs and print them right there on spot. There may be no need to go to the Public Space Permit office. The system is designed to streamline the process and provide a more convenient process for the public.”
TOPS makes it easy to apply for the type of permit you want – just follow the prompts and instructions. When you finish entering the required information just click submit. Your permit application may be approved automatically or you may receive a tracking number which may be referenced later. If you are prompted for additional documentation during the process, the documents or plans may be uploaded electronically, or submitted in person to public space staff at the DDOT Public Space Permit Center located on the second floor at 1100 4th Street, SW.
The new on-line system also prompted a redesign of the current Emergency No Parking policies and distribution. Following the mandates of a 2006 City Council law that created both an “Emergency No Parking” sign and a “Reserved Parking” sign DDOT has redesigned and reformatted the template for these signs. The law specified information to be included on the signs and provided penalties for people posting signs improperly. Under this program DDOT issues temporary Emergency No Parking (ENP) permits for uses like construction and trash containers and Reserved Parking (RP) permits for short term uses like a mobile storage container, a moving truck or non-recurring events, such as weddings.
As part of the legislation, certain information must now be included on the signs, or penalties will be enforced for people posting signs improperly and for people defacing or removing valid signs. Historically “emergency no parking” signs could be purchased at hardware stores or even printed at home. This made enforcement of the signs and verification of the posting time consuming and difficult. The old version of the sign provided little or no contact information and the purpose of the posting was unclear, whether it is for utility or construction work, or a special event or moving truck. In addition, parking was often restricted longer than necessary.
The new signs will provide inspectors with a permit number, contact name, and exact posting information allowing for stricter and culpable enforcement.
TOPS is available on the DDOT website at www.ddot.dc.gov or directly at tops.ddot.dc.gov.
Information Required on all No Emergency Parking or Reserved Parking Signs
•Duration of the parking reservation or prohibition
•Hours of the parking reservation or prohibition
•Permit or Contract Number
•Reason
•Date Posted and
•Contact name and telephone number
FINES: There are now fines for illegally posting or removing signs
•Failure to remove the sign after expiration: $25 per sign per day (+ cost of removal)
•Installation of unapproved sign: $100 per day per sign (+ cost of removal)
•Improperly removing an approved sign: $100 per sign per day sign was valid (+ cost of reproducing sign)
•Defacing or vandalizing an authorized sign: $100 per sign for the first offense; $200 per sign for the second offense; $400 per sign for the third and subsequent offenses
Story at a Glance
•Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein announce the launch of the new District Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS).
(Washington, DC) – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein announce the launch of the new District Transportation On-Line Permitting System (TOPS). The new intuitive, online system enables home owners, tenants, and businesses alike to apply for the specific type of public space occupancy, construction, excavation, annual or rental permit required for use of the public space within the District of Columbia from home, from conveniently placed kiosks at local Metropolitan Police Department District offices or DDOT’s Public Space Permit Office at 1100 4th Street in southwest.
“This new state-of-the-art program will provide for a more transparent and enforceable public space program,” said Mayor Fenty. “In addition, it will save residents and contractors precious time by streamlining the application process and significantly decreasing the hours formally spent at the Public Permit Center.”
DDOT’s TOPS system allows the public to go on-line to apply for any available public space permit. Whether you need to occupy metered or unmetered curbside parking, sidewalk, alley or travel lane areas for your activity or construction related work.
Once registered, the system makes it easy for the user to log into an account any time to apply for a permit, edit an application, upload plans electronically, or check the status of an application.
“We are very excited to launch the TOPS system,” said DDOT Director Klein. “People can now go to any MPD station, apply for emergency or reserved parking signs and print them right there on spot. There may be no need to go to the Public Space Permit office. The system is designed to streamline the process and provide a more convenient process for the public.”
TOPS makes it easy to apply for the type of permit you want – just follow the prompts and instructions. When you finish entering the required information just click submit. Your permit application may be approved automatically or you may receive a tracking number which may be referenced later. If you are prompted for additional documentation during the process, the documents or plans may be uploaded electronically, or submitted in person to public space staff at the DDOT Public Space Permit Center located on the second floor at 1100 4th Street, SW.
The new on-line system also prompted a redesign of the current Emergency No Parking policies and distribution. Following the mandates of a 2006 City Council law that created both an “Emergency No Parking” sign and a “Reserved Parking” sign DDOT has redesigned and reformatted the template for these signs. The law specified information to be included on the signs and provided penalties for people posting signs improperly. Under this program DDOT issues temporary Emergency No Parking (ENP) permits for uses like construction and trash containers and Reserved Parking (RP) permits for short term uses like a mobile storage container, a moving truck or non-recurring events, such as weddings.
As part of the legislation, certain information must now be included on the signs, or penalties will be enforced for people posting signs improperly and for people defacing or removing valid signs. Historically “emergency no parking” signs could be purchased at hardware stores or even printed at home. This made enforcement of the signs and verification of the posting time consuming and difficult. The old version of the sign provided little or no contact information and the purpose of the posting was unclear, whether it is for utility or construction work, or a special event or moving truck. In addition, parking was often restricted longer than necessary.
The new signs will provide inspectors with a permit number, contact name, and exact posting information allowing for stricter and culpable enforcement.
TOPS is available on the DDOT website at www.ddot.dc.gov or directly at tops.ddot.dc.gov.
Information Required on all No Emergency Parking or Reserved Parking Signs
•Duration of the parking reservation or prohibition
•Hours of the parking reservation or prohibition
•Permit or Contract Number
•Reason
•Date Posted and
•Contact name and telephone number
FINES: There are now fines for illegally posting or removing signs
•Failure to remove the sign after expiration: $25 per sign per day (+ cost of removal)
•Installation of unapproved sign: $100 per day per sign (+ cost of removal)
•Improperly removing an approved sign: $100 per sign per day sign was valid (+ cost of reproducing sign)
•Defacing or vandalizing an authorized sign: $100 per sign for the first offense; $200 per sign for the second offense; $400 per sign for the third and subsequent offenses
12 May 2010
Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project Update
Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project Update
Story at a Glance
* Phase 1 of construction starts May 15
* New Traffic patterns and lane closures
* Drivers can expect additional 15 minute delays
Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is making progress on the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project, a $30 million construction project east of the Anacostia River that is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
The project is on schedule and on budget. DDOT is wrapping up preliminary work and will start Phase 1 of the construction between 27th Street and Branch Avenue, SE on or about May 15, 2010. The work will include the reconstruction of the roadway and sidewalks on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, which will require lane closures and a shift in the traffic patterns. Residents and motorists should be aware of the following important changes:
* The far-right eastbound lane and sidewalk will be closed and marked off with barriers, although residents and business owners will still be able to access their driveways.
* DDOT will maintain three open travel lanes at all times. A reversible lane will ensure there are two lanes for peak traffic during rush hours, and one lane for traffic in the opposite direction.
* Temporary, overhead lane-signals will be placed along the corridor to indicate the correct inbound and outbound lanes for motorists.
* Motorists are encouraged to look for the overhead signals of green ‘arrows’ and red ‘Xs’ as you travel along the roadway. This will aid in knowing what lanes are open in the direction you are traveling on the corridor.
* DDOT advises drivers to add 15 minutes to their commutes to cover the additional delays that are anticipated during the project. If possible, motorists are encouraged to use mass transit or alternate routes.
The Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets project covers 2 miles of construction, from 200 ft. west of 27th Street to Southern Avenue. It will dramatically improve the physical character of the corridor and enhance transportation operations and safety for all users. The construction is scheduled to be completed in several phases over the next two (2) years.
To obtain more information about this project, you can visit our field office at 2410 Minnesota Avenue, SE. go online at www.greatstreetspennave.com or Contact DDOT’s Project Engineer Luan Tran at 202-671-4649.
Story at a Glance
* Phase 1 of construction starts May 15
* New Traffic patterns and lane closures
* Drivers can expect additional 15 minute delays
Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is making progress on the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project, a $30 million construction project east of the Anacostia River that is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
The project is on schedule and on budget. DDOT is wrapping up preliminary work and will start Phase 1 of the construction between 27th Street and Branch Avenue, SE on or about May 15, 2010. The work will include the reconstruction of the roadway and sidewalks on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, which will require lane closures and a shift in the traffic patterns. Residents and motorists should be aware of the following important changes:
* The far-right eastbound lane and sidewalk will be closed and marked off with barriers, although residents and business owners will still be able to access their driveways.
* DDOT will maintain three open travel lanes at all times. A reversible lane will ensure there are two lanes for peak traffic during rush hours, and one lane for traffic in the opposite direction.
* Temporary, overhead lane-signals will be placed along the corridor to indicate the correct inbound and outbound lanes for motorists.
* Motorists are encouraged to look for the overhead signals of green ‘arrows’ and red ‘Xs’ as you travel along the roadway. This will aid in knowing what lanes are open in the direction you are traveling on the corridor.
* DDOT advises drivers to add 15 minutes to their commutes to cover the additional delays that are anticipated during the project. If possible, motorists are encouraged to use mass transit or alternate routes.
The Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets project covers 2 miles of construction, from 200 ft. west of 27th Street to Southern Avenue. It will dramatically improve the physical character of the corridor and enhance transportation operations and safety for all users. The construction is scheduled to be completed in several phases over the next two (2) years.
To obtain more information about this project, you can visit our field office at 2410 Minnesota Avenue, SE. go online at www.greatstreetspennave.com or Contact DDOT’s Project Engineer Luan Tran at 202-671-4649.
11 May 2010
WASA Credit Rating
Pamela Mooring
Two Principal Credit Rating Agencies Upgrade DC WASA Bond Ratings
May 04, 2010 -- Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, two of the three principal credit rating agencies, upgraded the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) credit ratings. Moody’s upgraded DC WASA from Aa3 to Aa2 for senior lien revenue bonds. Fitch upgraded the Authority from AA- to AA for senior lien revenue bonds. DC WASA continues to be rated with a “stable” outlook by Moody’s and a “positive” outlook by Fitch.
The upgrade by both credit rating agencies was due to their independent decision to rate DC WASA and other utilities as private enterprises, whereas in the past they were rated as government agencies.
Standard and Poor’s, performed their industry recalibration in 2008 and upgraded DC WASA at that time.
“This is the third consecutive year that DC WASA has received a rating or outlook upgrade,” said DC WASA General Manager George S. Hawkins. “Not only is this a win for DC WASA, but also for our customers—who benefit when we pay lower interest rates, since debt financing accounts for 24 percent of our operating budget.”
“In addition,” added Olu Adebo, DC WASA Chief Financial Officer, “entering this solid AA category expands our base of buyers in the retail and institutional market.” Last year, the Authority had tremendous success going to the bond market, with all $300 million in bonds sold to retail and institutional investors in one day.
About The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA), is an industry leading multi-jurisdictional regional utility that provides drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment to more than 500,000 residential, commercial and governmental customers in the District of Columbia, and also collects and treats wastewater for 1.6 million customers in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia.
DC WASA’s service area covers approximately 725 square miles and the company operates the world’s largest advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 370 million gallons per day and has a peak capacity of 1.076 billion gallons per day.
Two Principal Credit Rating Agencies Upgrade DC WASA Bond Ratings
May 04, 2010 -- Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings, two of the three principal credit rating agencies, upgraded the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) credit ratings. Moody’s upgraded DC WASA from Aa3 to Aa2 for senior lien revenue bonds. Fitch upgraded the Authority from AA- to AA for senior lien revenue bonds. DC WASA continues to be rated with a “stable” outlook by Moody’s and a “positive” outlook by Fitch.
The upgrade by both credit rating agencies was due to their independent decision to rate DC WASA and other utilities as private enterprises, whereas in the past they were rated as government agencies.
Standard and Poor’s, performed their industry recalibration in 2008 and upgraded DC WASA at that time.
“This is the third consecutive year that DC WASA has received a rating or outlook upgrade,” said DC WASA General Manager George S. Hawkins. “Not only is this a win for DC WASA, but also for our customers—who benefit when we pay lower interest rates, since debt financing accounts for 24 percent of our operating budget.”
“In addition,” added Olu Adebo, DC WASA Chief Financial Officer, “entering this solid AA category expands our base of buyers in the retail and institutional market.” Last year, the Authority had tremendous success going to the bond market, with all $300 million in bonds sold to retail and institutional investors in one day.
About The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA), is an industry leading multi-jurisdictional regional utility that provides drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment to more than 500,000 residential, commercial and governmental customers in the District of Columbia, and also collects and treats wastewater for 1.6 million customers in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia.
DC WASA’s service area covers approximately 725 square miles and the company operates the world’s largest advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 370 million gallons per day and has a peak capacity of 1.076 billion gallons per day.
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