Scaffolding Installation Begins near Watergate Complex for Potomac River Tunnel Project

September 23, 2025

Aerial View of Construction near Watergate Complex Shows cranes and construction of drop shaft underway

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.

The scaffolding dimensions are approximately 10 feet in height and extend about 11 feet in width.
Some portions will include overhead protection to workers and trail users.
This structure is designed with specific weight limits to ensure safety and will be clearly marked with fencing and signage.
Rock Creek Trail will remain accessible

Project Details

DC Water is constructing the Potomac River Tunnel and support structures to capture combined sewer and stormwater overflows and redirect it to DC Water's Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The tunnel will begin operating in 2030. At the Capital Crescent Trail site location, DC Water is constructing an underground facility to connect to the existing sewer system and direct wastewater to the tunnel.

The project will reduce overflows polluting the Potomac River and, ultimately, Chesapeake Bay. The tunnel also ensures compliance with the 2005 Federal Consent Decree entered by DC Water, the District of Columbia, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Justice, as amended in January 2016. The tunnel will reduce the volume of these overflows to the Potomac River by 93% and their frequency from approximately 74 events to four events in a year of average rainfall.

Learn more at dcwater.com/prt.

Project Email: dcpotomacrivertunnel@dcwater.com

Project Hotline: 202-972-1388

DC Water 24-hour Emergency: 202-612-3400

Potomac River Tunnel Project

Time for a Spring Refresh: DC Water Gives the System Its Annual Clean Sweep

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets and cabinets. DC Water’s system gets a refresh too!

Starting March 23, DC Water will begin work that helps maintain more than 1,300 miles of water lines across the District. During this time, the disinfectant used in drinking water will temporarily switch from chloramine to chlorine through May 4. This switch helps support overall water quality throughout the year.

Workers doing ongoing rehabilitation work

20 March, 2026

DC Water Prepares for Next Steps Following Initial Clean-Up, Start of Beautification and Revegetation in Impacted Areas

As work nears completion on the initial clean-up and temporary stabilization of the areas directly impacted by the Potomac Interceptor overflows, DC Water is beginning preparations for beautification and revegetation to restore native plants, trees, and shrubs.

Before moving to the next phase of environmental rehabilitation, DC Water is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct soil sampling to verify the clean-up efforts.

photos of workers with hoses vacuuming out canal

19 March, 2026

Clean-up Continues on C & O Canal, Initial Work in Remaining Areas Nearly Complete

Work is ongoing to complete the initial phase of environmental rehabilitation and temporary stabilization this week in areas directly impacted by the overflows. A small section of the drainage channel along Clara Barton Parkway remains. Preliminary clean-up of the culvert, tributary, and Potomac River shoreline has also been completed.

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DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line