Washington Aqueduct

Washington Aqueduct
The Union Arch Bridge carries the Washington Aqueduct across Cabin John Creek in 2008
Dalecarlia Reservoir & Treatment Plant
Location5900 MacArthur Blvd., NW
Washington, D.C.
Coordinates38°56′15″N 77°6′51″W / 38.93750°N 77.11417°W / 38.93750; -77.11417
Built1853-1864
ArchitectMontgomery C. Meigs
NRHP reference No.73002123
Significant dates
Added to NRHPSeptember 8, 1973
Designated NHLNovember 7, 1973

The Washington Aqueduct is an aqueduct that brings water from the Potomac River to Washington, D.C., and parts of its suburbs.

One of the first major aqueduct projects in the United States, it was commissioned by the U.S. Congress in 1852, and construction began the following year under the supervision of Montgomery C. Meigs and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Portions of the aqueduct began operation on January 3, 1859, and the full pipeline began operating in 1864. It has been in continuous use ever since.

Owned and operated by the Corps of Engineers, the aqueduct is part of the system that supplies the public water systems that serve D.C. and nearby Virginia locations, including Arlington County, Falls Church, and part of Fairfax County.

It is listed as a National Historic Landmark. The Union Arch Bridge, which carries a portion of the aqueduct, is also listed as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.