Photo by Eric

DC Water is slated to build its first new water tower in more than 70 years. The agency announced Monday that in the coming weeks, crews will begin construction of a 170-foot storage tank near Saint Elizabeths Hospital in Congress Heights.

Neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River have historically experienced low water pressure and this tower is part of the response, according to a release from DC Water. In 2008, DC Water built a new pumping station, which is one piece of what it takes to create an entirely new water service zone. Now, after more than a decade of permitting delays, the water tower has been approved.

In addition to improving water pressure, the new service zone will store a small amount of water for emergency purposes like fighting fires. The $14 million project is expected to be completed in 2018.