This evening, DC Water and its contractors turned on the pumps and activated the bypass to contain the wastewater overflows from the damaged Potomac Interceptor sewer line. 

Crews completed the installation of six high-powered pumps on Saturday to reroute wastewater around a collapsed section of the Potomac Interceptor along Clara Barton Parkway in Montgomery County, MD and the C & O Canal National Historic Park. 

The pumps are positioned upstream of the collapse, each one having the capability to pump up to seven million gallons of wastewater a day from the sewer line, into an isolated section of the C & O Canal and then rerouted back into the sewer pipe further downstream of the collapse.

Engineers are onsite to ensure the bypass system is working as designed. They have confirmed the pumps are capturing the majority of the wastewater and will continue to draw down the flow in the Potomac Interceptor through the evening hours to bring it down to normal levels, and help prevent any additional dry weather overflows to the Park and Potomac River.

The bypass allows for excavation and repairs to begin at the site of the collapse.

The Potomac Interceptor is a sanitary sewer line that conveys up to 60 million gallons of wastewater every day from parts of Virginia and Maryland to DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The collapse occurred late Monday, in a 72-inch diameter section of the pipe causing millions of gallons of wastewater to overflow.

Engineers anticipated turning the pumps on the evening of Monday, January 26, and to have the bypass potentially operating at full capacity by Tuesday, January 27. However, crews were able to complete construction Saturday and activate the bypass in advance of the winter storm.

DC Water urges the public to continue to follow warning signs – which may include areas along the river further downstream - and avoid coming in contact with the overflow. People who contact raw sewage, may become sick and should take the following steps:

• Leave the area immediately.
• Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and clean water.
• Disinfect any affected areas or items.
• Do not consume food or water that may have been exposed.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
• Report exposure to DC Water at (202) 612-3400.

As a reminder there is no impact to drinking water. The sewer system and drinking water systems are separate and the overflow occurred downstream from the Washington Aqueduct’s intakes at Great Falls. 

The C & O Canal Towpath remains open, and no overflow has reached the towpath. However, people in the surrounding area may notice odors from the overflow. As work continues, one inbound lane of Clara Barton Parkway remains closed, just east of the I-495 interchange. 

Anyone with questions or in need of support can reach out to DC Water’s Customer Care team at (202) 354-3600 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400.