Potomac Interceptor Repair Update
February 21, 2026

• For nearly two weeks, no overflows have entered the Potomac River. The last release to the river occurred on February 8.
• Crews are continuing to remove debris and large rocks from inside the damaged pipe section.
• An initial assessment of the damaged pipe section determined the remaining intact structure downstream, which is blocked by an extensive rock dam, is structurally compromised and unsafe for crews to continue work inside the pipe.
• Alternate measures are being developed to extend the excavation around the damaged section, stabilize the area, and remove portions of the pipe to remove the rock dam for repairs to begin.
• Crews continue working around the clock to ensure continued bypass pumping operations, and ongoing cleaning efforts downstream of the collapse site.
• Preparations are underway for forecasted rain and snow event, which could increase flow and create difficult conditions for equipment and crews.
• Coordination continues with the National Park Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Maryland Department of the Environment on an Environmental Restoration Plan.

Protecting public health and the Potomac River remains DC Water’s top priority. Updates will be provided as work continues.

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. Fluctuations in water quality are influenced by factors such as weather events, river flow, runoff, pollutants, and other sources discharging into waterways; and 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

DC Water has added two new sampling locations to the daily sampling.  These locations add data points closer to the overflow site. The Minnie’s Island sample locations are approximately 0.54 miles from the overflow site compared to the Fletcher's location which is 5.2 miles from the overflow site. These sample locations provide a better understanding of the impact in the river near the collapse site and allow us to compare the main stem of the Potomac River (south side sample) to the inlet areas along the shoreline around Minnie’s Island (north side sample) where the water flows more slowly.

*Lab results are unavailable on weekends and will be provided the following Monday (excluding holidays).

For more information about the ongoing repair efforts go to dcwater.com/Potomac-interceptor-collapse.