Potomac Interceptor Repair Update
February 12, 2026

Highlights:

• No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours.
• Crews continue advancing construction of two new access pits to support installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. The first of the new high-capacity bypass pumps is scheduled to arrive on site Friday.
• These pumps will increase redundancy and overall system capacity, allowing flows to be safely diverted so crews can isolate the damaged section of pipe and remove the rock dam obstructing the interceptor.
• DC Water is closely monitoring the weather forecast, including anticipated rainfall and rising temperatures that may accelerate snowmelt and increase flows. Contingency measures, including the deployment of additional pumps, are being implemented in advance of the weather to manage changing conditions.

Water Quality Sampling Results

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.