Efforts to isolate the damaged section of pipe are moving forward. Engineers are on site and preparations are underway to permanently install a steel bulkhead gate that will cut off flow to the collapse site in combination with an enhanced bypass pumping system that will continue to divert wastewater around the failure and into the Potomac Interceptor further downstream. Once fully activated, the ...
Potomac Interceptor Collapse Update
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- No overflow events impacting surface waters were reported overnight. No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported since February 9, 2026.
- DC Water continues making significant progress toward stabilizing the Potomac Interceptor, with crews successfully testing the bulkhead system and bypass pumps. Six of the seven new ...
Emergency repair expected to take 4-6 weeks, followed by long-term rehabilitation
DC Water crews and its contractors, working under challenging conditions over the past month, are nearing completion of an enhanced bypass system that will allow emergency repairs to begin on a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor.
Potomac Interceptor Repairs Update
February 15, 2026
- No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours.
- The four high-capacity bypass pumps installed this week are now fully primed and operational, increasing overall system capacity and reliability.
- In addition, the third flume at the downstream end of the canal near Lock 10 is now active and conveying wastewater ...
Crews have completed construction of the two new access pits to support full installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. Three high-capacity bypass pumps have been installed and are operational, with a fourth pump expected to be activated later tonight or early Sunday ahead of the forecasted weather to help manage anticipated higher flows associated with rainfall and snowmelt.
No overflow events impacting surface waters have been reported in the past 24 hours as crews continue advancing construction of the two new access pits to support full installation of the enhanced bypass pumping system. Additional high-capacity bypass pumps are on site in advance of the forecasted weather on Sunday to help manage anticipated higher flows associated with rainfall and snowmelt.
DC Water Completes Critical Work, Ensuring Public Safety and Roadway Stability
Tonight, DC Water has reopened the northbound lanes of 14th Street NW between L Street and Thomas Circle, following the successful completion of emergency repairs to a century-old, abandoned sewer tunnel beneath the roadway. These repairs took place over the past week, ensuring the safety and stability of this critical ...
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 ...
To our neighbors, community partners, and everyone who cares deeply about the Potomac River and our shared commitment to the Potomac River.
Work remains ongoing, and protecting public health and the Potomac River continues to be the top priority of DC Water.
