Environmental Protection

Air Quality

DDOE's Air Quality Division works to protect the health and welfare of the District of Columbia's citizens, millions of visitors, and natural environment by reducing the concentration of pollutants.

Environmental Outreach and Education

DDOE educates teachers and students about the connections between their personal actions and the health of their surroundings, especially local waterways and the Chesapeake.

Fisheries and Wildlife

A main objective of the program is to provide suitable fish habitat to increase the number and diversity of fish in the waters of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers in the District.|
 

Green Buildings

Green building is an approach to design, construction and operations that conserves resources while it protects human health. Green buildings use less energy, consume fewer natural resources such as water and forest products, and emit fewer pollutants into the environment.

Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes

Lead turns up in our yards, shows up in our homes, and ends up in our landfills. It is a powerful neurotoxin, which means exposure can damage the brain. It can also injure other soft tissues and organs, and can interfere with the formation of blood. Exposure to enough lead may even cause death. 

Natural Environment

Our urban environment causes us to value our rivers, streams, trees, and green spaces even more, and prompts us to work to ensure their preservation and enhancement.
 

Toxic Substances

DDOE offers a multitude of toxic substance related programs and services to its residents and businesses.

Water in the District

Clean water is essential for human and animal life, for commerce and industry, and for recreation. Drinking water in the District of Columbia comes from the Potomac River, upstream of the District.