I am glad to tell you that--because of a new water mains project-the Fire Department will be better able to fight fires in Adams Morgan and the surrounding areas.

 

On Wednesday, September 16, my Committee held a public oversight hearing on DC-WASA. Fire Chief Rubin testified that, as a result of lessons learned from the 2007 Avalon Fire in Adams Morgan, fire officials identified the area in Adams Morgan north of Columbia Road as needing special planning and infrastructure changes to improve firefighter access. The very narrow turning streets of this area, along with very old water mains, suggested the need for this action.

 

Specifically, DC-WASA has developed a $1.6 million water main project that will replace old, clogged 6” and 8” mains with brand new 8” and 12” pipes, which will vastly improve flow rates from hydrants. Pipes will be replaced along several road segments north of Columbia Road and south and east of Adams Mill Road. DC-WASA will pay for this project out of its Capital Improvement Program budget.

 

According to DC-WASA engineers, this will also bring needed additional water flow to the National Zoo. This one of five such capital projects in the city.

 

Please note that Firefighters always have access to nearby 20 inch mains at 18th and Columbia, and Champlain and Euclid.

 

Construction is planned during 2010. While this means that we will have to endure traffic and pedestrian disruptions from the pipe replacement--in some cases in areas that have recently undergone road work--the lasting benefit of the improved firefighting capability is very substantial.

 

The hearing, which I scheduled after the fire that destroyed the home of former D.C. School Board President, Peggy Cooper Cafritz, focused generally on the Water authority’s role in supporting firefighting throughout the District. September 16 was the first opportunity to hold this hearing after the end of the Council’s summer recess.