Many of the area’s water structures are both old and decrepit. In Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, nearly a quarter of pipes are at least 50 years old. Pipes in Virginia are an average of 80 years old. The median age of pipes in the District is 75 years old. “And we actually have some Civil War-era water mains as well,” said Alan Heymann, a spokesman for the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority.

Two Democratic members of Maryland’s congressional delegation on Monday called for updating the area’s water infrastructure. Rep. Donna Edwards said Prince George’s County and Montgomery County have $3 billion “in unmet repair needs.”