PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE: DC Water to Provide Update and Next Steps on Potomac Interceptor Response
DC Water will host two community meetings to provide a comprehensive update on the Potomac Interceptor response, current system status, and next steps in emergency repair and long-term rehabilitation efforts.
The meetings will provide a structured overview of:
- What occurred
- Immediate response actions
- Current repair timeline
- Long-term Capital Improvement Plan commitments
DC Water officials and technical staff will present information directly and answer questions from community members.
Meeting Information
Wednesday, February 25 - Washington, DC
What: Community Meeting on Potomac Interceptor Response
Where: DC Water Headquarters, 1385 Canal St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Time: 7:00 PM
Who:
David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager, DC Water
Matt Brown, Chief Operating Officer, DC Water
Kirsten Williams, Chief Administrative Officer, DC Water
Moussa Wone, Chief Engineer, DC Water
Jeff Peterson, Director, Clean Rivers Project, DC Water
Thursday, February 26 – Bethesda, Maryland
What: Community Meeting on Potomac Interceptor Response
Where:
Walt Whitman High School (cafeteria), 7100 Whittier Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817
Time: 7:00 PM
Who:
David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager, DC Water
Matt Brown, Chief Operating Officer, DC Water
Kirsten Williams, Chief Administrative Officer, DC Water
Moussa Wone, Chief Engineer, DC Water
Jeff Peterson, Director, Clean Rivers Project, DC Water
Background
On January 19, 2026, a section of the 54-mile Potomac Interceptor (PI) sewer line collapsed along Clara Barton Parkway, in Montgomery County, resulting in a significant overflow into the C & O Canal National Historical Park. The PI carries about 60 million gallons of wastewater daily from as far away as Dulles Airport to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Southwest DC for treatment.
DC Water crews and contractors began work immediately to construct a bypass to contain the overflow. The bypass was completed and activated on January 24, utilizing powerful pumps and the C&O Canal to reroute wastewater around the collapsed section of pipe and back into the sewer system. o additional overflows entering the Potomac River have occurred since February 8. Crews are removing rocks and debris from the collapsed section of pipe and emergency repairs are projected to be completed by mid-March.
Protecting public health and the Potomac River remains DC Water’s top priority. For the latest information about the Potomac Interceptor Response, go to dcwater.com/potomac-interceptor-collapse.
