AWWA INF55783

The Washington, DC and Northern Virginia water supply today comes from two treatment plants owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps got the mission to plan, design and construct the water supply in 1853 when health problems and lack of fire protection in the nation's capital reached a critical state. The structures built for the Washington Aqueduct during the first 70 years were ornamental, and to some extent monumental, yet efficient in their design, have been remarkably durable, and are an effective part of the modern water system. They have also become a significant part of the architectural and engineering history of the nation. During the last 80 years, there has been a continued growth in demand, and the capacity of the system has grown to match it. This has resulted in a modern system consisting of two major water treatment plants located in the District of Columbia. In recent years in response to new drinking water regulations, additional treatment processes have been added along with state-of the-art equipment and supervisory control systems. Since a large portion of the Washington Aqueduct infrastructure is classified as a National Historic Landmark or has been classified a contributing resource in the Washington Aqueduct National Historic Register District, the incorporation of these elements into the infrastructure along with a need to revitalize the entire infrastructure has been a remarkable challenge. The current-day planners and engineers have had to ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water and keep costs to an acceptable level while meeting the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act. The working relationships that the Washington Aqueduct has established with the State Historic Preservation Offices in Maryland and the District of Columbia, the Advisory Commission on Historic Preservation, the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts were built on early planning, honest communication and mutual respect. This paper details the strategy and the techniques used by the Washington Aqueduct to achieve what is assuredly an enviable position of trust and confidence between the Washington Aqueduct and the agencies responsible for historic oversight. It gives examples of the coordination process and how potential stalemates were dealt with when the advisory agencies seemed to require more than could be done. The techniques employed and the lessons learned can be of value to other utilities facing similar challenges in their communities. Includes figures.