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

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.

DC Water Officials with NPS and ANC commissioners doing ceremonial groundbreaking

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.

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 23, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Jul 25

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.