• This week crews worked to remove the remaining soil from Locks 11 to 13 in the section of the C&O Canal that was used as an emergency bypass after the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line.
• Work began on Lock 10, with the majority of the soil removal expected to be completed by the end of next week.
• Parallel efforts are also underway in advance of the accelerated rehabilitation of more than 2,700 linear feet of the Interceptor.
• Site preparations include tree removal to allow access to the pipe.
• Once tree removal is complete, work will begin to construct a bypass chamber, to divert wastewater around sections of the pipe while they are being rehabilitated.
• DC Water remains engaged with federal partners during the closeout of their mission assignments related to the Potomac Interceptor response and environmental rehabilitation.

Water Quality Sampling

Daily water quality testing continues to show E. coli levels within the typical range for recreation, with normal historical fluctuations attributed to rain, heat, stormwater runoff, and other known environmental factors. See the District Department of Energy and Environment webpage for more details.

Ongoing sampling is precautionary and intended to address community concerns, ensuring the highest standards of public health and safety.

For the Potomac River, historical water quality data shows E. coli levels may vary from a range as low as 10 MPN/100mL to as much as 5,000 MPN/100mL on a given day.

Results April 13 – present below: (past results can be found here)

You can find more information about the environmental rehabilitation, get the latest news and information, and results of all the water quality testing on our Potomac Interceptor Response page.