EMERGENCY WATER OUTAGE
Oct 20, 2025 | 05:07 PM

Emergency Water Outage
Oct 20, 2025 | 02:20 PM

DC Water mobilizes for emergency repair of major sewer line at risk of collapse and endangering Rock Creek

May 02, 2025
Images showing the crack in the crown of the red brick sewer.

DC Water is preparing for emergency repairs on a large sewer line next to Rock Creek, after discovering significant structural issues. The six-foot pipeline, known as the Rock Creek Main Interceptor, carries as much as 100 million gallons of wastewater a day and could cause significant environmental harm if a failure occurred.

During a routine inspection using a closed-circuit camera system, video showed a 200-foot long fracture in the brick-lined tunnel ceiling. The compromised section of pipe is located in an embankment, near 26th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest. The sewer line carries combined stormwater and wastewater from Maryland and DC to the Potomac and Main Pumping stations. 

Parts of DC Water’s sanitary sewer system were first constructed more than 200 years ago, and this section dates back to the late 1800’s. 

“We cannot run the risk of a failure that could cause a major discharge of sewage into Rock Creek and harm this natural resource,” said DC Water CEO and General Manager David Gadis. “We were fortunate to find this before it was too late, due in large part to our proactive approach that includes routine inspections of our aging infrastructure.”

For safety, DC Water has fenced off the area to restrict access until work can begin. Construction is not expected to impact traffic on Rock Creek Parkway and the bridge on Pennsylvania Avenue which crosses over the affected area.

An engineering analysis is underway to evaluate the cause of the fracture, and whether there are any other structural issues that must be addressed to stabilize the pipe. This will provide a better understanding of the underlying issues, and the scope of work necessary for repairs.

A number of options are being considered and will likely include extensive construction. This may include building a diversion from the Rock Creek Main Interceptor to another sewer line, isolating or pumping out sewer discharges, or reinforcing the tunnel with steel rebar and high pressure concrete. 

The timeline for construction and repairs will be determined once planning and design work is completed. 

Latest News

Map of construction area on Clara Barton Parkway near I495

DC Water will be doing construction as part of a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project on Clara Barton Parkway in Maryland from Sept 8 - Oct 10, 2025, which may cause delays inbound near the I-495 Beltway interchange. One lane will be closed in the work zone to reline an 800-foot section of the sewer line, known as the Potomac Inteceptor. Access to the inner and outer loops of the Beltway will remain available. Additional lane closure may be necessary intermittently through Oct 31, 2025.

Graphic showing LFDC work on a block, date and time of the virtual meeting

There’s more than one way to replace your lead service line. Join DC Water’s Lead Free DC (LFDC) team and explore the options available to you during our virtual meeting on Wednesday, October 22, from ...

Graphic highlighting the event

Join DC Water and Wendy the Water Drop for a fun, educational pop-up event and you can grab a refreshing sip of our water. It's all part of "Imagine a Day Without Water," a national day of action that ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway
Scaffolding Installation Begins near Watergate Complex for Potomac River Tunnel Project

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Beginning September 23, 2025, to Mid-November 2025

DC Water is installing temporary scaffolding at the Rock Creek Trail site, west of the Watergate Complex. Trail users are advised to adhere to flagger instructions during installation.

Scaffolding installation is expected to be completed by September 26, 2025, and will remain in place until mid-November 2025.

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
October 23, 2025
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.