• Today marks one month since the last overflow reached the Potomac River as the emergency repair on the damaged Potomac Interceptor nears completion. 
• Crews today finished applying geopolymer on 300 linear feet of the pipe downstream of the collapse site. Work is also underway to apply geopolymer to a drop section of the pipe where the line changes elevation. 
• The concrete-like material will strengthen and restore the structural integrity of the pipe. Completion of the downstream section is one of the final steps to restore flow to the interceptor and finish the emergency repair. 
• Environmental rehabilitation work continues with crews focused on erosion and sediment control, site clean-up, and clearing trees and brush. 
• Work also continues on mucking and waste removal from the drainage channel along Clara Barton Parkway. 

Water Quality Sampling Results

Fluctuations in water quality are influenced by factors such as weather events, river flow, runoff, pollutants, releases of combined overflows, and other sources discharging into waterways. Given these variables, 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.

As of March 4, two new sampling locations have been added at Sycamore Island and Lock 6. Sample results from February 23 - present. Past results may be found here.

For quality assurance purposes, lab results are unavailable on weekends and will be posted on the following Monday, excluding holidays.

For more information, including the latest news and updates, and to provide feedback on the Environmental Rehabilitation Plan, go to our dedicated page for the Potomac Interceptor Repairs.