C & O Canal Soil Removal Continues between Locks 10 and 12

May 07, 2026
crews removing soil in C & O Canal
  • Work continues to remove the remaining soil between locks 10 and 12 of the C & O Canal which was used as an emergency bypass while the Potomac Interceptor was repaired.
  • Crews continue to remove plants, trees and shrubs as part of site preparations for the bypass that will be constructed for the long-term rehabilitation that has been accelerated on more than 2700 linear feet of the Potomac Interceptor.

Water Quality Sampling 

Daily water quality testing continues to show E. coli levels within the typical range for recreation, with normal historical fluctuations attributed to rain, heat, stormwater runoff, and other known environmental factors. See the District Department of Energy and Environment webpage for more details.

Ongoing sampling is precautionary and intended to address community concerns, ensuring the highest standards of public health and safety.

For the Potomac River, historical water quality data shows E. coli levels may vary from a range as low as 10 MPN/100mL to as much as 5,000 MPN/100mL on a given day.

Results April 27 – present below: (past results can be found  here)

graphic. with water quality results

 

Latest News

Picture of repaired segment before the geopolymer work and after the work is done

Crews also reach a major milestone near Dulles International Airport as the next phase of repairs begins this week

DC Water has completed the first major step in emergency repairs to a 175-foot section of the Potomac Interceptor near Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, Maryland. Crews added a new, stronger lining inside the pipe after inspections found serious wear and damage. The work is part of ongoing repairs to 1,700 linear feet of pipe near Pennyfield Lock. Work began on Friday to apply geopolymer, a concrete-like material, inside the pipe. With the new lining complete, crews are preparing for the next phase of work for the remainder of the pipe segment.

image of clara barton parkway with lane closure marked in red

Beginning this week and continuing through mid-August, DC Water will temporarily close one lane overnight on Clara Barton Parkway at the Maryland-D.C. border. The closures are needed so crews can ...

Pennyfield Lock Potomac Interceptor bypass pipeline running next to C & O Canal with equipment

There is no active spill or overflow. Work to strengthen the pipe to begin soon.

Today, DC Water completed construction on a temporary bypass system as part of sewer repairs on the Potomac Interceptor near Pennyfield Lock in Potomac, Maryland. Crews turned on the pumps and successfully tested the system. With the bypass now ready, it will allow us to begin the emergency repairs inside the pipe by carrying the wastewater around the repair area.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

DC Water Officials with NPS and ANC commissioners doing ceremonial groundbreaking
DC Water Breaks Ground on Piney Branch Tunnel, Final Phase of DC Clean Rivers Project

Today, DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated.

Latest Blog Post
Plastic bottles, cups and other floating debris on the surface of the Anacostia River before the Anacostia River Tunnel began operating.
Cleaner Waterways Start With Everyday Choices
Protecting our waterways starts with everyday actions and continues through critical infrastructure designed to keep pollution out of our rivers.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 28, 2026
Tuesday, 9:30 AM

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.