potomac river tours dc

CAPITOL RIVER CRUISES

Celebrating over 30 years on the potomac, what we offer, our sightseeing tours are our most popular. cruise down the potomac river while enjoying historical narration on the landmarks, monuments and memorials. our vessels are also available for private charters great for any type of event, we've done it all.

Sightseeing Tours

Private Charters

Crab Feast Charters

(Only available for private charters)

Specialty Cruises

Our Gallery

Capitol River Cruises is a small family owned and operated Tour Boat Agency that has been cruising on the Potomac River in Washington, DC for 29 years!

We offer Sightseeing Boat Tours, Crab Feast Charters, Custom Private Charters and various types of Specialty Cruises. Our everyday Sightseeing Cruises are 45 minutes long. We depart every hour on the hour from Washington Harbor in Georgetown, cruise past the 14th St. Bridges and turn around near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. You'll learn all about the history of Washington, DC monuments, memorials, statues and the surrounding area. Our crab feast charters & custom private charters are perfect for company outings, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, celebrations, etc. Any type of event really, we've done it all!

What our customers had to say!

Had an awesome time. Great way to let your feet rest from all the walking. We even got to bring our pup & he loved it. Had a nice glass of wine and enjoyed the breeze from the water. I recommend this tour it’s a different way to see the monuments and memorials without walking a million miles.

-Alexis Suarez

We had an amazing time! We scheduled the Crab Boat for a ladies day out on the Potomac. The crew was very friendly and funny. The Captain played great music. The crabs were delicious! Even the side dishes were good. The weather was perfect. We would definitely cruise with them again.

-S. Haskins

Sightseeing Guide

Sightseeing and Dining Cruises

City cruises.

City Cruises (formerly known as Hornblower Cruises & Events) offers water experiences beyond compare. Choose from a variety of cruises including: dinner cruises, brunch cruises, lunch cruises, cocktail cruises, sightseeing cruises, and holiday cruises. All of the vessels are conveniently docked at The Wharf, giving you the perfect launch point to explore the nation’s capital from the water.

Odyssey Savor delicious entrees and desserts as this glass-enclosed vessel drifts by the sights—accompanied by a relaxing atmosphere and live music.

Spirit of Washington Cruises A unique mix of dining, entertainment, and views, Spirit of Washington offers offers lunch, dinner, and holiday cruises, plus a variety of themed cruises.

Elite Private Yachts Host your own event or plan an unforgettable jaunt on the Potomac by chartering one of our two private yachts. Our sleek vessels are the perfect backdrop for weddings and other special occasions.

Water Taxi   Come to The Wharf’s Transit Pier to catch a ride on the Water Taxi to Georgetown in DC, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, or National Harbor in Maryland—and enjoy the scenic views of the nation’s capital from the Potomac. Sightseeing Cruises See the famous monuments of Washington, DC from an entirely new perspective on this narrated sightseeing cruise. You’ll travel along the Potomac River while taking in breathtaking views of the Washington monuments and famous landmarks.

Sightseeing cruises depart from Transit Pier (970 Wharf St SW). Dining cruises (all others) depart from Pier 4 ( 580 Water St SW ).

Learn about Getting to The Wharf , including metro and parking directions.

Get Your Fill at The Wharf

Fresh seafood is a given on the waterfront. But The Wharf offers more, including a wide selection of distinctive choices for food, drinks, and entertainment while you eat. Watch the chefs prepare your meal. Listen to music. Or just people-watch while you savor the flavors of The Wharf.

Do It All on the Waterfront

Whether you like to be on the Potomac or prefer the sparkling views from land, The Wharf offers ample things to do and ways to enjoy the water. Dine in one of our fabulous restaurants. Browse our shops. Or join us during one of our festivals. Take a look at our upcoming events to plan your next visit.

BOOMERANG BOAT TOURS

Party yacht & pirate ship cruises, boat tours, & private charters in washington, dc, boomerang boat tours, party yacht & pirate ship cruises in washington, choose your dc boat tour.

• MOST POPULAR!
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Boomerang Yacht Cruise

Enjoy a 21+ cruise aboard the Boomerang Party Yacht which includes premium open bar, water, sodas, pre-packaged snacks, fun music, and amazing DC views.

Pirate Ship Cruise

Enjoy a 21+ cruise aboard the Boomerang Pirate Ship which includes premium open bar, water, sodas, pre-packaged snacks, fun music, and amazing DC views.

• Hour Glass 1 hour
• Users All ages

Family Fun Treasure Hunt Cruise

Ahoy there, young pirates! Get ready to embark on our interactive cruise, offering endless excitement and the perfect adventure for kids of all ages!

Private Boomerang Boat Charter

Our charters are perfect for any private party occasion like birthdays, work parties, engagement parties, graduation parties, wedding welcome parties, post wedding brunch cruises, corporate team building, and more!

Boomerang Sightseeing Cruise

Our one-hour sightseeing tour on the Potomac River promises to be an informative, entertaining, and visually captivating experience.

Boomerang Yacht Brunch Cruise

Embark on a captivating Brunch Cruise on the Potomac River with Boomerang Boat Tours! Indulge in a delicious brunch buffet catered by Northside Social, sip on cocktails from our premium open bar, and groove to tunes spun by our live DJ.

We are proud local members of the Washington, D.C. community, offering lively boat tours through the historical and majestic capital of our nation. Boomerang takes people on the Potomac River for a world-class trip featuring sights like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, accompanied by a fully stocked bar! Our boat tour in Washington, D.C., will be a trip to remember!

Specialty Boat Tours In Washington D.C.

Boomerang Boat Tours’ services feature an array of different boats and activities, including our Pirate Ship Cruises for kids, Party Yacht cruises for adults, or sightseeing boat tours for everyone. Our corporate events are a hit, too! Having served high-profile clients like Microsoft and NASA, we have been renowned for providing some of the best events on the Potomac River since 2012.

Reserve A Private Charter on the Potomac River

Boomerang Boat Tours offers private boat rentals in D.C. for all occasions. Whatever the occasion, we have you covered with a fully stocked open bar included with your purchase. We will happily recommend a preferred caterer who always does an excellent job for all kinds of events.

Book Your Boat Tour in Washington, D.C.

Our illustrious boat tours on the Potomac River are the perfect event for anyone looking for a memorable time in our nation’s capital. Schedule your cruise on the Potomac River by clicking the Book Now button or sending us a message on our contact page.

About Boomerang Boat Tours

Featured on The Travel Channel, MTV’s The Real World, ABC, and more, Boomerang has been a beloved fixture in the Washington, DC area since 2006! Initially renowned for our party bus services, the Boomerang Party Yacht, Party Boat, and Pirate Ship have steered our company from land to ‘sea.’

Setting sail in 2012, the Boomerang Boat fleet offers Potomac River cruises departing from the Georgetown Waterfront for nine months of the year. Explore our website and book your cruise today!

5-Star Boat Cruises in Washington, DC

I went on a beautiful sunset cruise for a fundraiser. Saw the National Mall from the Potomac at night, it was stunning! The crew members were polite and courteous. The boat docked with a large party group before our group and you would never have known there was another group on 5 minutes before because the boat was spotless.

Wondering what to do when you have friends in town? Boomerang Cruises! After a day of museums, and typical D.C. attractions, treat yourself! On the last trip, my friends had the best time enjoying cocktails, music, and an awesome view on the Potomac. Don't forget to ask the bartenders about the "Shot Ski!" It is a game-changer. Thank me later.

I love going on the Boomerang Party Yacht. The staff is always friendly and helpful! The drinks are amazing! I would highly recommend for any event, we have been on for birthdays, going away parties, celebrations and just for a fun night out. The sunset cruises are highly recommended. Perfect views of the city and fun all around. Great way to meet new people in the area or have a fun night out in DC if you are visiting.

My twin sister and I chose the Boomerang Party Yacht to celebrate our 25th birthday! We had so much fun with our friends. It wasn't too crowded, nice views and the drinks were great. The staff was nice and funny. We had fun doing the limbo. I highly recommend the sunset cruise. Great to see DC in the evening and night. Book ahead because they do sell out!

I have been on the Boomerang Yacht's day, night, sunset, and brunch cruises with friends and it never disappoints! Great crew, bartenders, atmosphere, and views of DC. I have been in DC for almost 5 years and I always re-appreciate how great it is on these cruises- especially in the springtime. Highly recommend for anyone visiting or who lives in the area!

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@boomerangyachtsandpirateship.

Monumental views, fascinating history, and serious fun on a private, captained boat or yacht tour.

See dc differently.

— Since 2015 —

custom BOAT & YACHT cruises along the capital city’s waterways.

Your day. your boat. your way.

All Washington DC boat tours are fully-customizable, hourly charters.

Up to 6 people per boat. Have more friends? Add more boats!

Enjoy monumental sightseeing, relax on anchor, or have fun in the sun!

Your captain provides a rich tour narrative… if desired.

Ice, water & soft drinks provided. Bring your snacks & beverages!

Dogs allowed on open boats (yes, we have life vests for dogs too).

cruise quietly by DC’s iconic landmarks, speed down the Potomac River to historic Mount Vernon, or lower the anchor and let the afternoon ebb and flow.

View Gallery ⇒

( Why us? Hint: we’re licensed, legal, safe… )

Open boats:

Comfortable seating in bow, amidships & stern.

Bottled water, soft drinks, and ice included.

Bimini cover provides shade, if desired.

Stereo: Bring your own playlist or enjoy ours.

Swim ladder in case you choose to get wet.

Life jackets provided ( required <13 yrs old ).

Dining table, coolers and grill available.

Private (small) toilet & sink.

Boat fuel included in all rates.

View boat types ⇒

We’re proud to say that we do all we possibly can to provide a safe, enjoyable experience on the water. Our guests agree!

“I recently had the pleasure of working with Embark DC in Washington. It was one of the best experiences I have had with any vendor in recent years. Denny and his team stepped in when we needed help and worked with us in a professional, friendly, and considerate manner.

We had multiple variables to manage, catering updates, etc. … nothing was a problem for them. They went above and beyond with each turn, and their only concern was the enjoyment of our mutual clients. I can not thank them enough or speak highly enough about this team or their services.”

Justin Smith, President, The Evolved Traveler In association with: Coastline Travel Group | Virtuoso Travel

Read More Reviews ⇒

Video Review:

A luxury travel TV show visiting from Australia takes a boat cruise with us…

frequently asked questions

Q: How do your tours differ from other Washington, DC boat charters? A: All cruises include a USCG-licensed captain, who can provide a live tour narrative if you like. We are the only private boat tour operator in the Washington DC area with official approval to operate out of effectively every dock (including nearby Maryland & Virginia locations), from Georgetown (northernmost location) to George Washington’s Mount Vernon , 20 miles to the south.

Q: Do you offer a private yacht tour of Washington, D.C.? A: Yes. View our boat types here. Regardless of which boat you select, we go to any DC destination our guests would like to visit. The distinct advantage of our tours (vs. the larger commercial boat operators) is that we can change direction at any time and aim at a sight you would like to see.

Q: Can I host a private party in DC on your boats? A: Yes. We often have private parties to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, marriage proposals, weddings, graduations, promotions, and other special events. A private boat cruise is one of the most unique (and fun) ways to celebrate any special occasion!

Q: How are your services different from a public or large-boat Washington, DC river tour? A: We customize all of our tours for our guests. And you are the only guests! We determine what you want to see and the duration of your boat tour is based on that alone.

Q: What types of boat tours in Washington, D.C. do you offer? A: The experience is entirely up to you, and we have a variety of popular options to choose from. Most guests select a tour to visit local attractions including historic monuments ( Washington Monument , Jefferson Memorial , Lincoln Memorial , etc.), important buildings ( Kennedy Center , Pentagon , etc.) and see the famous cherry blossoms (in early spring); some head further south to Fort Washington and George Washington’s Mt. Vernon ; some relax on anchor for the sunset, or propose to their best friend!

Q: Can I use the boat going only one way? A: Sure! Some use us as a private “water taxi” to travel to baseball or soccer games, performances and events at Nats Park , The Anthem or Arena Stage ; some book sightseeing cruises to see historical Washington DC landmarks from a new perspective on their way from point A to B in the area. Check out our sights page and gallery for more information.

Q: What locations can I start my boat cruise from? A: We are the only private boat tour company with permissions for all of the area’s major waterfront locations in Maryland ( National Harbor ), Virginia ( Old Town Alexandria , Mt. Vernon ) and DC (the DC Wharf , Georgetown , The Yards ).

Q: Can we bring food and drink aboard our boat? A: You bet! We provide water and soft drinks, but you’re welcome to bring food and drinks aboard as you see fit. See the locations pages for recommendations on restaurants with takeout menus (though they’re always changing), and feel free to contact us with questions.

Q: Can we bring our dog aboard? A: Yes! Though there are some size and weight limitations. And only on our open boats. We do have some doggy lifejackets too. Call to confirm details!

— More questions? View our full FAQ page. —

We Look Forward To Welcoming You Aboard

I’ve heard enough! I’m ready to make a reservation.

Private Sight-Seeing Boat Cruises of Washington D.C.

Private cruises starting at $400, cruise with us on the potomac.

Our private boat cruises are a refreshing view of the nation’s capital! See the monuments and all the sights of the city with the sun in your face and the wind in your hair. Our private cruises are a great mixture of city scape and nature. We start on the Washington Channel at DC’s Wharf Marina and move up to the northern Potomac for a sight of numerous monuments as well as the Washington Harbor. What makes our private cruises special is that we show you all of the things in between, much of it unnoticed even for many long time residents. Our Private Cruises are full of great local stories and fun conversation!

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Why Choose Us?

Amazing captains.

What sets Reflections DC apart is our extensive experience and expertise. Our captains excel in narrating tours, seamlessly weaving historical facts with captivating stories, making every journey a memorable and educational experience. Their expertise and engaging delivery ensure that passengers are not just sightseeing but fully immersed in the rich narratives of the waterways.

Our captains are also fully licensed by the United States Coast Guard to operate commercially, ensuring top-notch safety standards.  

100% Unique

The charm of Reflections DC’s sightseeing cruises is uniquely different from other options in two distinct ways. Firstly, our narrated tours unfold with the same enchanting storytelling style as a classic Italian gondola cruise, where every anecdote and historical tidbit brings the journey to life. Secondly, our intimate boats ensure a cozy and personalized experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the sights and sounds of Washington DC’s iconic landmarks. With Reflections DC, each cruise is a captivating blend of narrative elegance and intimate luxury, promising a memorable adventure on the Potomac River.

Your Cruise, Your Way

At Reflections DC, we strive to  create a personalized and comfortable journey just for you. Your tour with us is all about catering to your preferences and ensuring you feel completely at ease throughout your adventure. 

Client Testimonials

Enjoy 20% Off Your Next Hot Tub Boat Tour Sign up for our VIP list below!

SEA THE CITY - DC

Washington d.c. hot tub boat tours, experience only the best, dc hot tub boat tours, was $449 now starting at $359.

Who needs a regular boat tour when you can cruise Washington D.C. in style, basking in a bubbling hot tub with views of iconic landmarks? Get ready for a unique and unforgettable aquatic adventure in Washington D.C.!

User Ages: 18+ (min. age 10+ with parent/legal guardian) Calendar Days: Mon-Sun (TBA) Users Capacity: Up to 20 people Info Flexible Payment Options Now Available

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Elevate your boating experience by cruising in style and comfort on a hot tub boat, variety of tours.

Choose from different tour options, such as daytime cruises, sunset tours, evening tours, or join a social mixer event. Find the perfect experience that suits your preferences.

Bring Your Own Bottle

Bring your own beer, wine, champagne, or hard seltzers (no hard liquor) to enhance the experience while cruising and relaxing in the hot tub.

Custom Marquee Boards

We are excited to customize our unique marquee board to to match your particular tour theme, such as birthday wishes, congratulations, or special event announcements… each adding a special touch to your celebration.

Professional Assistance

Our welcoming and professional crew members are onboard to provide their utmost personal attention to your needs, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable tour.

Amenities Onboard

Enjoy the convenience of amenities including bluetooth speakers, coolers, ice, cups, and water. Full bathroom and separate changing room are also available on the boat.

Capture the Moment!

Capture the Moment! Capture Instagram-worthy shots with the stunning backdrop of the historic D.C. skyline and our one-of-a-kind Hot Tub Boat for unforgettable memories.

Secure Your Spot: Flexible Payments Options Now Available

For Hot Tub Boat reservations exceeding $1000, you can secure your spot with a 50% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 72 hours before your tour time. You have the option to provide another card for the remainder balance, or we’ll automatically charge the balance 72 hours prior to departure using the card you used for the initial deposit.

Enjoy a stress-free booking experience and focus on creating cherished memories aboard our Hot Tub Boat!

OUR MISSION AND VALUES

Our mission.

• Sea the City strives to provide pure joy to our wonderful guests through unique water experiences and unrivaled hospitality.
• Safety and Well-Being The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority. While this is easy to say, it takes great discipline to achieve. By fostering a culture of speaking “truth to power,” any team member can bring their concerns to leadership, knowing they will be heard and respected.
• Exceptional Customer Service Our team meticulously tends to the needs and desires of our guests so that they can immerse themselves in the pleasure of celebrating with friends and loved ones.
• Fun and Enjoyment While we take our jobs seriously, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We always strive to create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for our team and guests alike.

These team values guide our actions, decisions, and interactions which, in turn, helps us achieve our mission.

AS FEATURED IN:

For media inquiries, high-resolution images, or to schedule a press trip, please contact us at (201) 335-2732 or by email at [email protected] . We’d love to share our story and provide you with everything you need to feature Sea the City in your publication.

DC HOT TUB BOAT

Step aboard our 40-foot Coast Guard-certified boat at The Wharf Marina for a unique journey through the iconic sights of Washington, D.C. Led by our USCG licensed master captain, get ready for an unforgettable tour with a touch of luxury. Book your spot now and indulge in the ultimate hot tub boat adventure!

Make every moment feel like a celebration of life »

Elevate to new heights of luxury with a one-of-a-kind experience »

Relax in style and comfort, and on the water in your very own hot tub »

Unwind and escape from your everyday routine »

HERE'S WHAT OUR GUESTS HAVE TO SAY

The entire experience was absolutely amazing! I surprised my husband with this Hot Tub Boat tour for his 40th birthday and it was above & beyond my expectations. The crew was very friendly, accommodating & knowledgeable; they each made the experience that much better! The views (need I say more) and just so gorgeous and being on the open water in a Hot Tub in the middle of winter is simply heaven! My husband’s 40th birthday surprise was an experience that we will be talking about for the next 40+ years! If you’re looking for something special & different to do then book the Hot Tub Boat tour, you will NOT regret it!!! We will definitely be back!

The Sea the City Hot Tub Boat tour was amazing. We had Captain Bryant, Sophie, and Zoey as our crew and their hospitality was incredible. We loved the overall experience and views of the city, if you are looking for a unique experience in NYC, this is definitely worth every dollar!

“I’ve sailed with Sea the City on their Hot Tub boats twice now (both on private tours with both tubs reserved, up to 20 people total), and the staff has been kind, understanding, fun, and easy. The first time was in Spring 2021, and the second time was recently in Spring 2023. They are thorough when it comes to a brief and safety rundown at the beginning of the tour, and for the rest of the evening, are completely on top of service when it comes to making sure the coolers are full of drinks, picking up empties, taking group pictures, etc. On this most recent reservation, I had indicated that my group was celebrating a special event, which was the Eurovision Final happening the following day. The staff actually put “Eurovision 2023” on a rainbow light board and took our picture with it. It was so fun and everyone was so surprise in the best way possible.

By far one of the coolest experiences ever! Made extra amazing by the wonderful and attentive staff that truly went above and beyond. Zoe, Kelsey and Captain made my best friend’s bachelorette a truly memorable experience. Can’t recommend this tour enough!

The BEST experience & the staff was so friendly! we were celebrating someone’s 23rd birthday and EVERYONE had a blast. we are already planning our next visit! Thank you to the staff for being so great♥️♥️♥️♥️ We will be back soon!”

The hot tub boat ride was really fun! They have it down to a science and the process is smooth and easy. There was another party in the other hot tub and we barely noticed them. Highly recommend

DC Water Breaks Ground on Potomac River Tunnel Project

(Washington, DC) - Today DC Water hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to officially commence construction activities for the Potomac River Tunnel Project at West Potomac Park. The Potomac River Tunnel is the next major phase of the DC Clean Rivers Project, which is DC Water's ongoing program to improve the water quality of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers and Rock Creek by increasing the capacity of the sewer system.

The Project consists of a large-diameter deep sewer tunnel, diversion facilities, drop shafts, and support structures to capture flows from existing combined sewer overflows (CSOs) along the Potomac River and convey them to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The 5.5-mile-long tunnel will be completed in 2030, providing a 93% reduction in the volume of CSOs to the Potomac River in an average year of rainfall.

“Today we break ground with a sense of purpose and responsibility. This project is critical to ensure we reduce the CSOs that contribute to water quality impairment of the Potomac,” stated DC Water CEO David L. Gadis. “We are proud to have the support of so many of the city’s leaders and concerned citizens in this effort. Together we can shape a future where cleaner water flows and the Potomac River thrives as a beacon of environmental vitality.”

The ceremony gathered key stakeholders including Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, Deputy Superintendent Sean Kennealy of the National Park Service, Department of Energy and Environment Director Richard Jackson and other city leaders and agency partners to highlight the importance of this new project that will improve water quality and aesthetics of the Potomac River for the benefit of all.

Congresswoman Norton said, “During my time in office, I have worked with DC Water to improve the water systems in the District of Columbia.  Since 2003, I have secured annually a special federal appropriation for the Clean Rivers Project, totaling approximately 300 million dollars, which is being used for construction of the Potomac River Tunnel. I look forward to seeing the continued improvements DC Water is making and to working with DC Water to provide funding for these essential investments.”

CSOs impair water quality by increasing water bacteria levels, which negatively impacts aquatic life, and contributes to an increase in the amount of trash in waterways. An estimated 654 million gallons of CSOs currently enter the Potomac River each year by way of average rainfall. This project was established in accordance with the 2005 Federal Consent Decree entered by DC Water, the District of Columbia, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Justice, as amended in January 2016.

The 18-foot-diameter tunnel will run deep underground beneath the Georgetown waterfront, along the edge of the National Mall and East Potomac Park, past Hains Point and connect by gravity to the existing Anacostia River Tunnel. Construction will require two tunnel boring machines. Starting from West Potomac Park, one machine will mine south through mostly soft ground, and another machine will head north to bore through rock.

The $819 million project, the largest contract ever awarded by DC Water, is being constructed by a joint venture of CBNA and Halmar.

About DC Water

DC Water provides more than 700,000 residents and 21.3 million annual visitors in the District of Columbia with retail water and wastewater (sewer) service. With a total service area of approximately 725 square miles, DC Water also treats wastewater for approximately 1.8 million people in neighboring jurisdictions, including Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia.

About the DC Clean Rivers Project

The Clean Rivers Project is DC Water's ongoing program to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSO's) into the District's waterways - the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and Rock Creek. The Project is a massive infrastructure and support program designed to capture and clean wastewater during rainfalls before it ever reaches our rivers.  The project also includes improving the capacity of the system to mitigate chronic flooding that has plagued some areas of the District since the early 1900's.

The Clean Rivers Project is comprised of a system of deep tunnels, sewers, and diversion facilities to capture CSO's and deliver them to DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant.  The Clean Rivers Project is also installing Green Infrastructure or "GI" to assist with the reduction of CSO's to the Potomac River and Rock Creek.  The Anacostia River and Potomac River tunnel systems include more than 18 miles of tunnels that are larger than the Metro tunnels and are constructed more than 100 feet below the ground.  For more information

Project Email:  [email protected]

Project Website: www.dcwater.com/prt

Latest News

Massive effort to capture and keep combined sewage out of the river draws District leaders to West Potomac Park.

UPDATE: DC Water Lifts Boil Water Advisory for All Affected Customers – Effective 5:00 a.m. May 10, 2024

All DC Water customers in the impact area under the boil water advisory can use tap water for all purposes after following the instructions provided below.

DC Water issued the boil water advisory as a ...

ACTUALIZACIÓN DEL AVISO DE AGUA POTABLE Actualizacón de DC Water sobre la suspensión del aviso de hervir agua para todos los clientes afectados: válido a partir de las 5:00 a. m. del 10 de mayo de 2024

Todos los clientes de DC Water en el área efectada por el aviso de hervir agua pueden usar agua del grifo para todos los fines después de seguir las instrucciones que se proporcionan a continuación.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of directors meeting.

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Latest Blog Post

Leveraging Green Infrastructure for the Triple Bottom Line

Upcoming events.

DC News Now | Washington, DC

17-year-old boy most likely drowned while swimming in Potomac River

by: Anna Chen

Posted: May 31, 2024 / 10:02 PM EDT

Updated: May 31, 2024 / 10:02 PM EDT

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) said a 17-year-old boy may have drowned while swimming in the Potomac River Friday.

NRP officers responded to a report at around 2:30 p.m. of a swimmer who went missing in the Potomac River in the Four Locks area. The teenager and an 18-year-old boy were trying to swim across the river from West Virginia to Maryland when they began to struggle.

A nearby boater was able to help the 18-year-old boy but the 17-year-old boy went under the water and did not come back up.

NRP divers found his body around 5 p.m. and it was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.

Washington County Fire and EMS, Maryland State Police, National Park Service, West Virginia Natural Resources Police, Multiple West Virginia Fire & Rescue Units and the Carroll County Dive Team helped to search for the teenager.

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Sonny’s, One of D.C.’s Top Pizzerias, Sets Up Shop at an Alexandria Marina

Adorably named Catboat Pizza Bar slings square slices, slushies, wines, and beer on the banks of the Potomac

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Five years after introducing Park View diners to its tasty grandma-style pies on a focaccia-like crust, Sonny’s Pizza is ready to expand for the first time.

Find the stellar square slices at Catboat Pizza Bar , a fun new riverside hangout that made a surprise debut over Memorial Day weekend at Washington Sailing Marina ( 1 Marina Drive, Alexandria, Virginia ). Located 15 minutes from D.C., a quick drive from Old Town, and right off the Mount Vernon trail, the summer-ready spot invites outdoorsy types to pull up by kayak or bike and plop down for a pizza-and-beer picnic for as little as $10.50.

One lager, IPA, stout, wheat, pilsner, and sour joins three natural wines (rosé, red, white), and a growing crop of spiked slushies.

Up in Park View, the retro pizza pad’s rec room-styled dining room carves out room in the back to enjoy its low-intervention wines and large-format bottles of craft beer across a garden patio. Its natural wine and pizza club is a monthly subscription service that includes two, three or four curated bottles, a whole pie, and tasting events.

Sleek sister bar No Kisses sits next door, and the team also runs chill coffee shop and ping-pong club Doubles Cafe in Columbia Heights.

At their first-time Virginia venture, the minimal menu includes cheese, pepperoni, and mushroom slices to start. Catboat plans to expand offerings throughout the season, co-owner Max Zuckerman tells Eater, and a portion of all sales go towards the National Park Service. Opening hours are Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from noon to 9 p.m.

The airy setup with a scenic deck offers lawn games on the grass and views of planes coming in and out of Reagan National Airport. A grand opening is scheduled for June 9, followed by a fireworks watch party on the Fourth of July.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Catboat (@catboat_pizzabar)

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Environment | anacostia, a ‘forgotten river’ in washington and maryland, cleans up, slowly.

Volunteers collect trash items during a park cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. That contamination largely affected the communities of color that the river intersects. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Volunteers wait for instructions from Riverkeeper leader Trey Sherard following a cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Volunteers carry bags of trash collected along the river trail to a sorting site on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

An Anacostia Riverkeeper boat passes along the river during a tour on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Anacostia Park in Washington. To help change long-held perceptions that the water is still as polluted as it once was, Anacostia Riverkeeper, an environmental nonprofit, has organized a swim event along a small stretch of the river designated safe for swimming. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A person rows a boat along the Anacostia River on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, near Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A volunteer uses a scale to weigh trash collected on the bank of the Anacostia River following a cleanup, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Anacostia Riverkeeper Trey Sherard examines a volunteer’s trash weigh-in following a park cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Volunteers collect trash items during a park cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A volunteer holds a discarded football following a trash collection on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Volunteer Marc Gazda discards foam during a park cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bruce Holmes, 65, grew up fishing on the Anacostia River, a 9-mile urban waterway that flows through Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland, and has long been defined by pollution and neglect.

Back then, Holmes would keep what he caught with his family — usually carp or catfish — and take it home to fry. It was the 1970s, and he didn’t know how contaminated the water was.

“There wasn’t no throwing it back in,” Holmes said, “Whatever we caught we ate. Or we sold.”

Now, decades later, Holmes no longer eats what he catches from the Anacostia as he’s learned more about the river, but teaches adults and children in the capital how to fish as the river undergoes something of a comeback. He hopes the fishing lessons double as a clarion call to help clean up and maintain the river he grew up around.

Sometimes called D.C.’s “forgotten river,” the Anacostia River is shorter, shallower and harder to navigate than the more famous Potomac, which cuts through the city’s storied landmarks and is steeped in Revolutionary and American Civil War history. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. That contamination largely affected the communities of color that the river intersects.

In recent years, things have started to improve, but change has come slowly.

Infrastructure upgrades

It’s still illegal to swim in the Anacostia because of E. coli levels that test above the threshold deemed safe for human exposure, but in recent years, a $3.29 billion sewer upgrade in D.C. has reduced sewage overflows into the river, keeping large amounts of waste out.

A series of tunnels drilled under the city capture storm and sewage water that previously flowed into the Anacostia. Since 2018, when the first segment went online, the upgrades have reduced outflows of sewage and wastewater by 91%, according to DC Water, the city’s water utility.

Last fall, the final section of the Anacostia Tunnel System went online. The overall system is expected to reduce overflows into the river by 98%.

Still, the Anacostia received a failing grade for the third time in six years last year from a nonprofit that grades the river’s health based on its fecal bacteria content and the state of its aquatic vegetation.

The Anacostia Watershed Society tested the river for fecal bacteria, dissolved oxygen — needed by all aquatic animals — and algae levels, as well as the health of its aquatic vegetation and clarity of its water.

“The trend line is moving up,” said Chris Williams, director of the Anacostia Watershed Society. “Twenty-five years ago, it was one of the most polluted rivers in the country,” he said, contrasting that to the past few years “where the water quality is pretty steadily improving.”

Environmental justice

For many involved in the Anacostia’s cleanup, the history of the river, its neglect and industrial pollution are inextricable from the city’s racial history.

The river and the surrounding 1,200-acre Anacostia River Park that reaches into parts of Maryland across the D.C. boundary were where communities of color swam, fished and recreated.

“Because there are low-income communities around the river, it can seem like they’re responsible for the pollution,” said Akiima Price, executive director of Friends of Anacostia Park, an organization that works in the communities surrounding the river.

“But it comes from everywhere, all over the watershed,” she said.

That was acknowledged last year when Pepco, the city’s utility, reached an agreement with the District of Columbia to pay more than $57 million for discharging hazardous chemicals from their power plants into soil, groundwater and storm sewers for decades that polluted the Anacostia and other areas. The settlement was believed to be the largest in the utility’s history.

The payments will be used in part to clean up the river, including addressing contamination from its former power plants. Other measures the city government instituted like a fee on plastic bags since 2009 have also helped keep trash out, experts say.

To Price, the work is ongoing. “There are still challenges,” she said, “but people feel more connected to the river.”

Making it swimmable

To help change long-held perceptions that the water is still as polluted as it once was, Anacostia Riverkeeper, another environmental nonprofit, has organized a swim event along a small stretch of the river designated safe for swimming.

This year’s event will take place at the end of June near Kingman Island, a patch of land in the middle of the river. If the event goes as planned, it would mark the first time in more than a half-century that D.C. residents could legally swim in the river, after the city prohibited doing so in any of its waterways in 1971. Last year, the same event was canceled after a storm raised bacteria levels in the river because of sewage overflows.

“It’s not lost on me that we’re overturning over 50 years of discourse about the river,” said Quinn Molner, operations director at Anacostia Riverkeeper. Around 200 people are expected to participate in the swim, Molner said, despite the skepticism her organization encountered when they first announced the event. “A lot of people that have lived in this area for a long time knew this river when it was not so great.”

Holmes is one of them. A lifelong resident of Southeast D.C., still a predominantly Black and less affluent part of the city, Holmes said he’s doubtful that in just a few years, the river in its entirety will be swimmable and fishable.

“That’s a little bit of a stretch,” he said, “but I can actually say, because I’ve been fishing out here for years, I’ve seen some big changes.”

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment

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In Washington, D.C., the city’s ‘forgotten river’ cleans up, slowly

Volunteers collect trash items during a park cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Volunteers collect trash items during a park cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. That contamination largely affected the communities of color that the river intersects. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

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Volunteers wait for instructions from Riverkeeper leader Trey Sherard following a cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Volunteers carry bags of trash collected along the river trail to a sorting site on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Bruce Holmes poses for a photo on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Anacostia Park in Washington. Bruce, a native resident of Washington, D.C., teaches kids in the area about fishing along the Anacostia River. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Bruce Holmes observes a train passing over the Anacosita River on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Anacostia Park in Washington. Bruce, a native resident of Washington, D.C., teaches kids in the area about fishing along the Anacostia River. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

An Anacostia Riverkeeper boat passes along the river during a tour on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Anacostia Park in Washington. To help change long-held perceptions that the water is still as polluted as it once was, Anacostia Riverkeeper, an environmental nonprofit, has organized a swim event along a small stretch of the river designated safe for swimming. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A person rows a boat along the Anacostia River on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, near Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A volunteer uses a scale to weigh trash collected on the bank of the Anacostia River following a cleanup, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Anacostia Riverkeeper Trey Sherard examines a volunteer’s trash weigh-in following a park cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Volunteers collect trash items during a park cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A volunteer holds a discarded football following a trash collection on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Volunteer Marc Gazda discards foam during a park cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A bicyclist rides along a shoreline paved trail on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

People walk along a dock on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A pedestrian walks near the Fredrick Douglass Bridge on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. Constriction cranes have been increasingly visible as more residential buildings have been developed throughout the Anacostia section of Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A deceased gar fish floats near a discarded beverage container on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Volunteer Rosemarie Hepner carries a bag during a shoreline trash pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. A sewer upgrade in the city and decades of local environmental advocacy have brought improvements to the river, but change has come slowly. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bruce Holmes, 65, grew up fishing on the Anacostia River, a 9-mile (14-kilometer) urban waterway that flows through Washington, D.C. and parts of Maryland, and has long been defined by pollution and neglect.

Back then, Holmes would keep what he caught with his family — usually carp or catfish — and take it home to fry. It was the 1970’s, and he didn’t know how contaminated the water was.

“There wasn’t no throwing it back in,” Holmes said, “Whatever we caught we ate. Or we sold.”

Bruce Holmes poses for a photo on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Anacostia Park in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

A person rows a boat along the Anacostia River on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, near Anacostia Park in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Now, decades later, Holmes no longer eats what he catches from the Anacostia as he’s learned more about the river, but teaches adults and children in the capital how to fish as the river undergoes something of a comeback. He hopes the fishing lessons double as a clarion call to help clean up and maintain the river he grew up around.

Sometimes called D.C.'s “forgotten river,” the Anacostia River is shorter, shallower and harder to navigate than the more famous Potomac, which cuts through the city’s storied landmarks and is steeped in Revolutionary and American Civil War history. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. That contamination largely affected the communities of color that the river intersects.

In recent years, things have started to improve, but change has come slowly.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

It’s still illegal to swim in the Anacostia because of E. coli levels that test above the threshold deemed safe for human exposure, but in recent years, a $3.29 billion sewer upgrade in D.C. has reduced sewage overflows into the river, keeping large amounts of waste out.

A series of tunnels drilled under the city capture storm and sewage water that previously flowed into the Anacostia. Since 2018, when the first segment went online, the upgrades have reduced outflows of sewage and wastewater by 91%, according to DC Water, the city’s water utility.

Last fall, the final section of the Anacostia Tunnel System went online. The overall system is expected to reduce overflows into the river by 98%.

A bicyclist rides along a shoreline paved trail on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

People walk along a dock on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Anacostia Park in Washington. For decades, the Anacostia was treated as a municipal dumping ground for industrial waste, storm sewers and trash. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Still, the Anacostia received a failing grade for the third time in six years last year from a nonprofit that grades the river’s health based on its fecal bacteria content and the state of its aquatic vegetation.

The Anacostia Watershed Society tested the river for fecal bacteria, dissolved oxygen — needed by all aquatic animals — and algae levels, as well as the health of its aquatic vegetation and clarity of its water.

“The trend line is moving up,” said Chris Williams, director of the Anacostia Watershed Society. “Twenty-five years ago, it was one of the most polluted rivers in the country,” he said, contrasting that to the past few years “where the water quality is pretty steadily improving.”

A pedestrian walks near the Fredrick Douglass Bridge on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

For many involved in the Anacostia’s clean-up, the history of the river, its neglect and industrial pollution are inextricable from the city’s racial history.

The river and the surrounding 1,200-acre (4.85-square kilometer) Anacostia River Park that reaches into parts of Maryland across the D.C. boundary were where communities of color swam, fished and recreated.

“Because there are low-income communities around the river, it can seem like they’re responsible for the pollution,” said Akiima Price, executive director of Friends of Anacostia Park, an organization that works in the communities surrounding the river.

“But it comes from everywhere, all over the watershed,” she said.

Volunteers wait for instructions from Riverkeeper leader Trey Sherard following a cleanup on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

That was acknowledged last year when Pepco, the city’s utility, reached an agreement with the District of Columbia to pay more than $57 million for discharging hazardous chemicals from their power plants into soil, groundwater and storm sewers for decades that polluted the Anacostia and other areas. The settlement was believed to be the largest in the utility’s history.

The payments will be used in part to clean up the river, including addressing contamination from its former power plants. Other measures the city government instituted like a fee on plastic bags since 2009 have also helped keep trash out, experts say.

To Price, the work is ongoing. “There are still challenges,” she said, “but people feel more connected to the river.”

MAKING IT SWIMMABLE

To help change long-held perceptions that the water is still as polluted as it once was, Anacostia Riverkeeper, another environmental nonprofit, has organized a swim event along a small stretch of the river designated safe for swimming.

This year’s event will take place at the end of June near Kingman Island, a patch of land in the middle of the river. If the event goes as planned, it would mark the first time in more than a half-century that D.C. residents could legally swim in the river, after the city prohibited doing so in any of its waterways in 1971. Last year, the same event was canceled after a storm raised bacteria levels in the river because of sewage overflows.

“It’s not lost on me that we’re overturning over 50 years of discourse about the river,” said Quinn Molner, operations director at Anacostia Riverkeeper. Around 200 people are expected to participate in the swim, Molner said, despite the skepticism her organization encountered when they first announced the event. “A lot of people that have lived in this area for a long time knew this river when it was not so great.”

An Anacostia Riverkeeper boat passes along the river during a tour on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Anacostia Park in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

Holmes is one of them. A lifelong resident of Southeast D.C., still a predominantly Black and less affluent part of the city, Holmes said he’s doubtful that in just a few years, the river in its entirety will be swimmable and fishable.

“That’s a little bit of a stretch,” he said, “but I can actually say, because I’ve been fishing out here for years, I’ve seen some big changes.”

Volunteers carry bags of trash collected along the river trail to a sorting site on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Anacostia Park in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)

The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment

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