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.

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Image of Clara Barton Parkway showing lane closure

Beginning this week and continuing through Friday, September 4th, DC Water will temporarily close one lane overnight on Clara Barton Parkway at the Maryland-D.C. border. The closures are necessary to allow crews to safely begin geopolymer work, a concrete-like material, applied inside the sewer line as part of emergency repairs to a section of the Potomac Interceptor.

Last gantry at the bottom of the shaft where crews connect it

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DC Water invites residents to join the next Lead Free DC virtual community meeting on August 26 from 7 PM – 8 PM.

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Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Last gantry at the bottom of the shaft where crews connect it
Now Fully Assembled, It’s Full Speed Ahead for the tunnel boring machine Mary and the Potomac River Tunnel

Final Gantry Completes Mobile Support Train Behind Mary Stretching More Than 700 Feet

DC Water’s tunnel boring machine Mary may be the muscle behind the Potomac River Tunnel Project, but the gantries that trail behind her form the heart, brains, and guts of the operation. Now crews have lowered and connected the final gantry section, giving Mary the tools and equipment she needs to continue tunneling north.

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Sep 6
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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.