Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update
February 27, 2026

• No overflows reaching the Potomac River for 19 days. The last release to enter the river occurred on February 8.
• Cleaning continues in the area upstream of the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor to remove muck, debris, and smaller rocks.
• Crews were able to reach some of the additional large rocks downstream of the collapsed section and remove them without additional excavation.
• Once the pipe is cleared, the next steps include a CCTV inspection inside the pipe, followed by pressure washing the walls, and the application of a geopolymer lining – a substance as strong as concrete – to strengthen and rehabilitate the pipe.
• Site preparations have begun for the environmental rehabilitation which is expected to start this weekend.
• Work remains on schedule to complete the emergency repair by mid-March. 

DC Water remains committed to protecting public health and safety and ensuring the immediate areas around the collapse site and areas of the Potomac River are rehabilitated.

Water Quality Sampling

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 with 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 Potomac Interceptor response efforts go to dcwater.com/potomac-interceptor-collapse.