DC Water to Host Virtual Meeting on Emergency Repairs to Potomac Interceptor at Muddy Branch

June 10, 2026

DC Water will host a virtual community meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to inform residents and other stakeholders about the emergency rehabilitation of a section of the Potomac Interceptor at Muddy Branch near Pennyfield Lock (Lock 22) in Potomac Maryland. Recent inspections identified structural deterioration in this section, including significant corrosion and exposed rebar, requiring immediate repair.

As part of this emergency effort, contractors will begin mobilizing at the site on Monday, June 15, to rehabilitate about 1,700 linear feet of the interceptor. 

On a typical dry weather day, this segment conveys an average of six million gallons of wastewater and serves as a critical connection to the main trunk of the Potomac Interceptor.

Following the January 19, 2026, failure along the Clara Barton Parkway in Cabin John, Maryland, DC Water expanded its inspection program across the entire 54-mile Potomac Interceptor system. Along with standard video inspections, DC Water used LiDAR to measure wall thickness and sonar to identify debris or blockages.

Although the findings identified in this section warranted moving this work to the top of DC Water’s repair priorities, the most deteriorated portion of the pipe is fully encased in concrete, which reduces the risk of failure and the likelihood of an impact to public water supplies, public health and the environment. 

DC Water officials and technical staff will present an overview of the project, share key findings, and respond to questions from community members during the meeting. 

Meeting Information

What: Virtual Community Meeting on Emergency Repairs to Potomac Interceptor
When: 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 11, 2026
Where: Microsoft Teams Meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247771688929694?p=VdqaoZtsH2m1AxGwkb

Dial in by phone: +1 202-753-6714,,695210785#
                              Phone conference ID: 695 210 785#

Who: DC Water leadership and technical staff

More information about this project is available on the DC Water website at https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/news/emergency-work-rehabilitate-section-potomac-interceptor-begin-potomac-md
 

Latest News

Photo of the drop shaft looking from above down into the bottom

Starting the week of July 13, 2026, people who live, work or travel near the Canal Road NW entrance to Georgetown University may hear controlled blasting. This work is part of our Potomac River Tunnel Project.

When blasting happens, neighbors may hear a brief noise or feel light shaking. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians on Canal Road NW may also be stopped for a few minutes while we safely complete each blast.

Photo of Pipe Fusing at Cabin John PI Rehabilitation Site

DC Water will continue daily Potomac River water quality testing through July 31. The testing is part of ongoing monitoring after the January 19 collapse of a section of the Potomac Interceptor, a ...

Two workers making a water main break repair with a excavator nearby

As the District gets ready for Independence Day celebrations and America's 250th events, DC Water is taking steps to keep everyone safe and make sure that water and wastewater service runs smoothly ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Photo of the drop shaft looking from above down into the bottom
Controlled Blasting to Begin for Potomac River Tunnel Work Near Georgetown

Starting the week of July 13, 2026, people who live, work or travel near the Canal Road NW entrance to Georgetown University may hear controlled blasting. This work is part of our Potomac River Tunnel Project.

When blasting happens, neighbors may hear a brief noise or feel light shaking. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians on Canal Road NW may also be stopped for a few minutes while we safely complete each blast.

Latest Blog Post
Five photos from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) ACE26 conference featuring panel discussions, technical presentations, networking, and attendees posing at the ACE26 display.
ACE26 Highlights: How DC Water Advanced the Conversation on Water
More than 80 DC Water employees joined thousands of water professionals in Washington, D.C., sharing expertise, building partnerships and advancing conversations that will help shape the future of water.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 13, 2026
Monday, 2:00 PM

Upcoming Events

Jul 23
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.