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.