District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water)
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2022, FY 2025 and FY 2026)
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Water Quality
- Climate Resilience
- Quality of Life
Environmental Achievements
- 66% reduction in predicted pollutants (Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Total Suspended Solids) compared to 1996 levels based on average year rainfall.
- 100% of biosolids recycled in FY 2022.
Social Achievements
- 94.5% of invoices paid within 30 days and 96.8% within 45 days in FY 2022.
- 86 public meetings held in FY 2022 related to the DC Clean Rivers Project.
- 32% MBE and 6% WBE participation in two EPA-funded Fair Share Objective construction contracts totaling approximately $25.5 million.
Governance Achievements
- KPMG LLP reviewed the indicators in this report.
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- 96% system-wide CSO reduction and 98% reduction in the Anacostia River upon completion of the tunnel system.
Environmental Challenges
- Year-to-year variability in rainfall impacting CSO volume and pollutant quantities.
- Combined sewer system leading to CSOs.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implementation of the DC Clean Rivers Project, including tunnel systems and green infrastructure, to capture and treat CSOs.
- Data normalization using average year rainfall for year-over-year comparison.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- DC Water’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE Program)
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Heavy storms causing flooding and sewer system backups
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: ISO 26000
Third-party Assurance: KPMG LLP
Reporting Period: FY 2025 and FY 2026
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- climate
- equity
- governance
Environmental Achievements
- Lead Free DC program with $732 million investment to replace lead service lines
- $3.3 billion Clean Rivers Program to improve Anacostia and Potomac Rivers
Social Achievements
- Robust and expanded Customer Assistance Programs to help customers who cannot afford their bills
Governance Achievements
- Rigorous budget process balancing infrastructure investment with customer rates
- Independent review of rates
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Rising operational costs (chemicals, energy, insurance, spare parts, maintenance)
- Need for significant infrastructure investment in aging water and sewer systems
- Debt service costs
- Balancing infrastructure investment with affordable rates for customers
Mitigation Strategies
- Expanding Customer Assistance Programs
- Implementing water-saving practices
- Flexible payment plans
- Cost-of-service study and independent rate review to justify rate increases