Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update
February 26, 2026

• No overflows have entered the Potomac River in 18 days, with the last release to the river February 8. 
• Crews continue work to clean the remaining debris upstream and downstream of the damaged Potomac Interceptor Pipe.
• A rock and debris dam that had been blocking the pipe has been removed, but some large rocks and boulders remain in other sections of the pipe and may require additional excavation to remove. 
• Cleaning continues to remove the soil, muck, debris and other loose materials inside the pipe. Once all the material is cleared, a CCTV inspection will be performed to provide a full assessment inside the pipe prior to emergency repairs beginning.
• The next step will be to pressure wash the inside of the pipe in preparation for the emergency repair, which could begin as early as next week.
• The repair involves spraying on geopolymer, a material as strong as concrete and more resistant to sewer gases, that will strengthen and rehabilitate approximately 500 linear feet of the pipe upstream and downstream of the failure.
• Progress continues and the emergency repair remains on target to be completed around mid-March.

DC Water is committed to protecting public health and safety and ensuring the environmental restoration and remediation of the impacted areas. 

Water Quality Sampling Results

DC Water is performing daily water quality sampling. It’s important to note that historically the E. coli levels in the Potomac and Anacostia rivers vary widely from day to day. This is reflected in recent sampling results when stormwater runoff from rain and snow impacting water quality. Fluctuations in water quality are influenced by factors such as weather events, river flow, runoff, pollutants, releases of combined overflows, and other sources discharging into waterways.

Given these variables, measurements taken much further downstream cannot be attributed solely to this incident.

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. A more detailed explanation is posted on the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) website at doee.dc.gov/release/potomac-interceptor-update-and-faqs. 

Below are the results of sampling during the period from February 16 – present. Past results may be found on our dedicated Potomac Interceptor Response page. 

For more information about the ongoing response and repair efforts on the Potomac Interceptor go to dcwater.com/potomac-interceptor-collapse.