Federal, State, and Local Officials Get Firsthand Look at Collapse Site and Repair Efforts

Over the past 24-hours, DC Water engineers for the first time report no sanitary sewer overflows escaping from a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor since the incident happened. The 72-inch diameter pipe section collapsed on January 19, along Clara Barton Parkway and the C & O Canal National Historical Park in Montgomery County, MD.

This marks major progress in containment efforts, achieved through the continued operation of bypass pumps, focused excavation, and cleaning and monitoring at the site. These efforts have greatly reduced the possibility of additional overflow, although some risk remains. A small amount of residual wastewater is still in the creek bed, but most of the flow to the river has stopped in the interim.

Today, officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Maryland Department of Environment (MDE), and DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) toured the collapse site. The visit provided a firsthand look into ongoing bypass operations, excavation, and the repair process, underscoring the strong oversight and collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies.

Crews have excavated a section of the sewer line about 30 feet downstream of the collapse site and removed the crown of the pipe. Active flow is visible indicating the sewer line is partially functioning – despite the damage - with some wastewater getting past the break and continuing downstream in the Potomac Interceptor.

Work will begin tomorrow to clean debris and obstructions in the pipe, a critical step toward restoring full flow through the system and eliminate dry and wet weather overflows. Additional work will also get underway to stabilize the ground at the collapse site. Trench boxes, acting as giant retaining walls, will be installed around the damaged section for containment and to prevent more erosion. Once debris is cleared and wastewater levels around the collapse drop further, teams will excavate the damaged pipe section to thoroughly assess the damage. This will determine the repairs needed and timeline.

Eight bypass pumps remain in operation, with crews monitoring the site 24/7 to keep the pumps running through difficult conditions posed by the extreme cold. The system began operation on Saturday, diverting a significant volume of wastewater around the damaged pipe and carrying it back into the Potomac Interceptor further downstream of the collapse.

For your safety, DC Water urges residents and visitors to avoid the affected area along Clara Barton Parkway and nearby trails in Montgomery County. Work zones are active and may pose hazards. Please adhere to posted warning signs.

As a reminder, there is no impact to drinking water. The drinking water system is separate from the wastewater system and the Washington Aqueduct’s primary intakes for drinking water are upstream from the overflow.

DC Water will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners to assess potential environmental impacts and remediation.

 For questions or updates, please contact 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.