The National Park Service released a statement on the new rehabilitation project that has begun at East Potomac Park to alleviate flooding along the waterline.
“The National Park Service has begun a construction project to improve the aging and under-sized water distribution system in East Potomac Park. The project will replace several miles of water piping, backflow preventers, and fire hydrants for potable water and emergency use on the west end of the park, between the Jefferson Memorial and Buckeye Drive, SW. The $4 million project is expected to last approximately six months, and will improve water distribution in all National Park Service facilities in East Potomac Park south if I-395.
Any planned disruptions to water service will be scheduled to occur after hours to minimize the impact on park visitors and employees. These planned disruptions may include water shut down during tie-ins, as well as single lane road closures, which will occur with advance notice and posted message boards along the route.
The new waterline replaces existing infrastructure that is 95-100 years old and will be sized to provide adequate flows and pressures for future fire protection systems for all facilities in accordance with National Fire Protection Association standards. The project will also facilitate preventative maintenance programs, testing, and future repairs and modification.”