Shaw
Shaw, DC water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Shaw, DC is a small but growing city, with a population near 17,639 and the 2nd-largest community in District of Columbia. Like much of District of Columbia, Shaw draws its water primarily from Potomac River.
Shaw's water outlook is shaped most by aging infrastructure — the issue that dominates planning across District of Columbia. A single Potomac-fed system with major combined-sewer and stormwater tunnel investments underway.
Shaw sits in a state that reuses roughly 5% of treated wastewater (developing programs) and currently experiences moderate to severe drought.
For the bigger picture, see the District of Columbia state water profile and the related issues below.
At a glance
- Population ~17,639 (2nd-largest in District of Columbia)
- Primary sources: Potomac River
- Drought: moderate to severe conditions
- State reuse rate: ~5% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of District of Columbia in severe+ drought (Severe (D2) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in Shaw?
Shaw is served by community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Statewide, 58.3% of District of Columbia's systems have a recent health-based violation. Check your provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report for local results.
Where does Shaw get its water?
Shaw draws from the same regional sources that serve District of Columbia: Potomac River.
Related water issues
Aging Infrastructure
Much of America's water infrastructure is decades past its design life, leaking trillions of gallons a year and demanding hundreds of billions in reinvestment.
ExploreStormwater Capture
Cities are reengineering streets and parks to capture rain that once ran to the sea, recharging aquifers and reducing flooding at the same time.
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