Potomac Interceptor Repair Update
February 11, 2026

Highlights:

• No overflow events have been reported in the past 24 hours.
• Crews continue to make steady progress on site, focusing on installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. This upgraded system will provide additional redundancy and capacity, allowing flows to be safely diverted so that crews can isolate the damaged section of pipe and remove the rock dam obstructing the interceptor.
• Work remains ongoing, and protecting public health and the Potomac River continues to be the top priority of DC Water. Additional updates will be provided as progress continues.
• DC Water CEO and General Manager David L. Gadis released an open letter today regarding the Potomac Interceptor. The letter along with the latest project updates and water quality sampling results are available on DC Water’s website and webpage for the Potomac Interceptor Collapse: com/potomac-interceptor-collapse.

Water Quality Sampling Results

As noted previously, data highlighted in yellow represents corrections made following a review of the sampling data that identified reporting errors.  These errors were promptly corrected, and additional quality control measures have been implemented to ensure the accuracy of the data being reported

Historical data indicate typical E. coli levels in the Potomac River can range from 10 to 5,000 MPN/100mL. Variability in E. coli results are common and are influenced by multiple factors, such as weather (rainfall/snow melt and associated runoff) and subwatershed activities and conditions, including aging sewer infrastructure and illicit discharges.