Revised Time: Upcoming DC Clean Waters Blast on Aug. 3, 2026

This is an automated notification that DC Water has scheduled a controlled underground blast near the Georgetown University campus as part of the Potomac River Tunnel Project. The previous notice stated the blast would take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the blast has been postponed to between 7 and 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3.

Blast Details:

• Date: Monday, Aug. 3
• Time Window: Between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Location: Construction site alongside Canal Road NW (near Entrance Six)

What to Expect:

• Warning Horns: You may hear air horns signaling the blast sequence: a 5-minute warning (three long horns), a 1-minute warning (two long horns), and an all-clear signal (one long horn) after the blast.
• Traffic & Access Impacts: For approximately five minutes before the blast, Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) and DC Water flaggers will temporarily halt all vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic on Canal Road and West Road. Access to the Southwest Quad Garage will be briefly suspended.
• Noise/Vibration: The blast itself will last only seconds. Buildings within 1,000 feet of the site may hear the noise, but should not experience perceptible shaking.

Questions or Concerns: Please remember that this is a DC Water initiative, not a university project. If you have any concerns regarding the construction or the blasting process, please contact the DC Water project hotline directly at 202-972-1388.