D.C. waterways are plagued with toxic substances, raw sewage, and pollution.

Each time it rains, lawn chemicals, pet waste, litter and motor oils are carried into our local rivers and creeks. Making matters worse, the District’s aging pipes frequently burst, overwhelmed by heavy rain waters, and dump millions of gallons of sewage into the Potomac and Anacostia. 

Clean water shouldn’t be a luxury. Not in 2014, not ever.

Fortunately, there are local and affordable solutions to keep pollution out of our waters.

Sign this petition to tell the mayoral candidates, that you expect them to make a written pledge to completing the District’s Watershed Implementation Plan and the Sustainable D.C. Plan on time.

This is your chance to tell your future Mayor that saving the Potomac and Anacostia is long past due, and you expect results!

Over 90% of the D.C. Metro area’s population receives its drinking water from the Potomac River. Yet, an estimated 1.5 billion gallons of sewer overflows are discharged to the Anacostia River, 850 million gallons into the Potomac, and 52 million gallons into Rock Creek each year. It’s time that we protect the Potomac River and our communities that depend on it!

Three years ago this month, The District launched the Sustainable D.C. plan to make the Nation’s Capital the greenest, healthiest, and most livable city in the United States. Over the last several years, DC has made great strides to restore the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.

But, our waterways have a long way to go before they become swimmable and fishable for our families. D.C., the hub of the world’s most influential nation, can and must deliver on its commitment to healthy communities, clean drinking water, and safe natural environments for our families and resources upon which we depend.

We must hold our elected leaders accountable for finishing the job of cleaning up the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, and blazing the trail to a clean water future!

The candidates need to know that voters are paying attention to clean water issues this election season.

Please sign this petition to the mayoral candidates to tell them why clean water in Washington, D.C. is important to you and your family!