DC Water is advising the public to avoid the water in Soapstone Creek due to a sewage spill. A DC Water crew, investigating reports of elevated levels of E Coli in the Creek, discovered a leak in an 18” sanitary sewer pipe on Audubon Terrace, NW. A dye test indicated that sewage was leaking from the pipe and entering the creek.

DC Water is taking immediate steps to stop the leak and make repairs to the sewer pipe. The public is advised to stay away from Soapstone Creek and to keep pets away until further notice to eliminate the risk of exposure to raw sewage. Soapstone Creek runs from Albemarle Street to Broad Branch Road, NW adjacent to the Soapstone Valley Trail.

With nearly 1,800 miles of sewer lines throughout its service area, DC Water appreciates notification from the public if a sanitary sewer spill or leak is suspected. Please call the 24-hour Emergency Command Center at 202-612-3400 at any time to report water or sewer emergencies in the District of Columbia. More information on the sewer system can be found at dcwater.com.