Pumping capacity remains a challenge, due to ongoing maintenance and operational issues. An overflow occurred late Monday night, when two pumps – clogged with non-disposable wipes – were taken out of service for cleaning and maintenance. During a period of high flow, the volume of wastewater temporarily exceeded pumping capacity resulting in the overflow.

The overflow did not enter the Potomac River and was contained on-site by an earthen dam and a trench system that captured and redirected the wastewater back into the sewer system.

DC Water and its contractors continue working around the clock, to operate, clean and maintain bypass pumps that divert wastewater around the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor and return flows into the system further downstream. Despite these efforts, a significant overflow occurred late Sunday.

DC Water is taking emergency measures with the immediate and ongoing closure of all northbound lanes of 14th Street between L Street NW and Thomas Circle, due to the imminent risk of collapse posed by an abandoned, century-old, brick-lined sewer tunnel beneath the roadway.