REMINDER: DC Water to Host a Community Meeting to Update District Residents About Potomac Interceptor Repair Efforts

February 24, 2026
Graphic with the information for the Community Meeting

As DC Water continues repair efforts on the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, we want to provide an opportunity for the community to engage with us, ask questions, and learn more about the response, impacts to the Potomac River, and next steps in the emergency repair and long-term rehabilitation efforts.

On January 19, 2026, a section of the Potomac Interceptor collapsed along Clara Barton Parkway, in Montgomery County, resulting in a significant overflow into the C & O Canal National Historical Park and Potomac River.

DC Water crews and contractors constructed a bypass to carry the wastewater around the failure and back into the Potomac Interceptor further downstream. These efforts have resulted in no overflows reaching the river since February 8, more than two weeks ago. Emergency repairs are expected to be completed by mid-March.

During the meeting, DC Water and District officials will discuss what happened, the response and repair timeline, impacts to DC residents and visitors, and the long-term rehabilitation plans.

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
Watch: DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment Channel 16 (DCN) or online video.oct.dc.gov/DCN/
Listen: To dial in from your phone call 844-881-1314 then press 0
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
RSVP: events@dcwater.com

DC Water will host a second meeting for Maryland residents on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland.

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.

Latest News

Graphic with the information for the Community Meeting

As DC Water continues repair efforts on the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, we want to provide an opportunity for the community to engage with us on Wednesday, February 25, to ask questions, and learn more about the response, impacts to the Potomac River, and next steps in the emergency repair and long-term rehabilitation efforts.

Photo of extended excavation site with trench boxes

The excavation around a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor has been extended and trench boxes installed to provide shoring and stability. This doubles the size of the excavated area, to connect the collapse site with a downstream access point to the Potomac Interceptor.

CEO David L. Gadis with HSEMA, EPA and USACE

DC Water crews are working around the clock to keep the Potomac Interceptor repair site safe as another storm approaches. Since February 8, there have been no overflows to the Potomac River, and efforts are underway to bolster pump capacity and manage stormwater runoff due to expected heavy rain and snow that could flood the pumping site and endanger pumping operations.

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Monday 9:00 AM

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Map of lane closure
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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

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A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
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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 26, 2026
Thursday, 9:30 AM

Upcoming Events

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.