EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR
Feb 08, 2026 | 05:30 AM

EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR
Feb 08, 2026 | 04:30 AM

EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIR
Feb 08, 2026 | 04:00 AM

DC Water Joins Regional Utilities, Area Governments in Regional Emergency Response Exercise

March 29, 2012

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WHAT: Potomac River Basin exercise will test communications between utilities, enable utilities to practice public message coordination, and evaluate information systems designed to assist utilities during an incident affecting multiple jurisdictions. (do you want to mention it is a drinking-water event?)

WHO: Officials from drinking water utilities, as well as public health, emergency management and public information officers from area government agencies.

WHEN: April 2-4, 2012

WHERE: Officials will participate in the exercise from their regular work places.

BACKGROUND:
All exercise-related public notifications and media releases will be developed to the point of release, but will not be sent to the public or media to avoid confusion between the exercise and an actual incident. The exercise is sponsored by the Potomac River Basin Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Financial support is being provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3.

Latest News

Trench boxes at construction site for new pit accessing Potomac Interceptor Upstream

DC Water and its contractors continue to make progress constructing new access points to the Potomac Interceptor, one upstream of the damaged section, and an additional entry downstream to divert more wastewater flow from the pipe. These access points will allow crews to install a bulkhead, blocking flow in the pipe upstream of the collapsed area, keeping the site as dry as possible so crews can safely remove an extensive rock dam currently blocking the pipe.

Photo of giant rock and boulder removed

DC Water is releasing new findings regarding the environmental impacts following the January 19, collapse in a section of the Potomac Interceptor. Based on flow monitoring data collected before and after interim bypass pumping was activated, DC Water estimates approximately 243 million gallons of wastewater has overflowed from the collapse site.

Image of rock blockage taken by CCTV inside the Potomac Interceptor downstream of the collapse

Update on Extended Repairs, Safety Measures, and Water Quality Monitoring

Overnight CCTV inspection of the Potomac Interceptor revealed the blockage inside the collapsed sewer line is far more significant, showing a large rock dam stretching approximately 30 feet downstream of the original failure.

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
February 19, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 40% of the last 3 payments made and in the new fiscal year 50% will be credited. 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.