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

Picture of previous rock slide on the slope

DC Water has revised its slope stabilization plan along Canal Road Northwest to significantly reduce traffic disruptions during construction. The updated approach eliminates the need for a full-time ...

Map of construction area and detours
DC CLEAN RIVERS - POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT

DC Water is mobilized and ready to begin major construction for the Potomac River Tunnel Project at the Rock Creek Trail site west of the Watergate ...

Photo of collapsed sewer main

DC Water is advising the public of a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) on Anacostia Ave Northeast and Ponds St at the entrance to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. A 108-inch sanitary sewer line failed ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of previous rock slide on the slope
DC Water Revises Canal Road Slope Stabilization Plan in Response to Community Feedback

DC Water has revised its slope stabilization plan along Canal Road Northwest to significantly reduce traffic disruptions during construction.

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
September 2, 2025
Tuesday, 10:00 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.