EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Mar 13, 2026 | 11:00 AM

EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Mar 13, 2026 | 08:10 AM

DC Water Continues Community Dialogue on Potomac Interceptor Response

March 13, 2026
graphic with meeting times
Second Meeting Scheduled in Bethesda; Community Forum in Alexandria Next Week

As DC Water nears completion of emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, we remain committed to transparent communication and partnership with our community. Next week, two meetings are scheduled on March 18, in Bethesda, MD and March 19, in Alexandria, VA to hear from the community and provide informational updates on the repair and environmental rehabilitation.

On January 19, a section of the Potomac Interceptor collapsed in Cabin John, MD along Clara Barton Parkway and the C & O Canal National Historical Park. DC Water has worked around the clock to contain the sewer overflows, complete urgent repairs and address environmental impacts.

DC Water invites concerned residents to attend the upcoming community meetings as part of an ongoing dialogue and to gather feedback. Both meetings will include an open-house format, with a shortened presentation to allow more time for Q&A and direct engagement with subject-matter experts stationed at information tables.

INFORMATION

Montgomery County, MD Community Meeting

  • Date: Wednesday, March 18
  • Time: 6:30 PM
  • Location: Walt Whitman High School (Cafeteria) | 7100 Whittier Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817
     

Alexandria, VA Community Meeting

  • Date: Thursday, March 19
  • Time: 7:00 PM
  • Location: Lee Center Auditorium | 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314

We encourage community members to join us, share their perspectives, and stay informed as we work together toward a resilient and healthy environment. Your continued engagement is essential as we move into this next phase of rehabilitation.

Please RSVP to events@dcwater.com. When submitting your RSVP, please specify if you are attending the Virginia or Maryland meeting. If you have questions that you’d like to ask in advance of the meeting, you may send those questions to events@dcwater.com along with your RSVP.

Latest News

graphic with meeting times

Second Meeting Scheduled in Bethesda; Community Forum in Alexandria Next Week

As DC Water nears completion of emergency repairs on the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, we remain committed to transparent communication and partnership with our community. Next week, two meetings are scheduled on March 18, in Bethesda, MD and March 19, in Alexandria, VA to hear from the community and provide informational updates.

Collapse site with equipment idle due to weather conditions
  • Environmental Rehabilitation and Emergency Repair work on the Potomac Interceptor sewer line was slowed by rain and snow, as we enter day 33 without an overflow into the Potomac River.
  • When there are ...
Photo of workers doing environmental rehab in west section of Area 1

With 32 days of no overflows reaching the Potomac River, DC Water and its contractor continue to make progress on the Environmental Rehabilitation of the areas impacted by the failure in the Potomac Interceptor. Meanwhile work is nearing completion in the coming days on the emergency repair and is expected to meet the mid-March target.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Map of lane closure
Traffic Advisory: Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Lane Closure Beginning Jan 19

Beginning on or about January 19, 2026, weather permitting, DC Water will implement a temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW b

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
March 19, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

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.