DC Water's

News & Updates

At DC Water, we understand the importance of keeping our community informed about our services, projects, and achievements. Our news web page serves as a reliable source for the latest information on a range of topics.

Photo of excavation of collapse site and containment in place
30 January, 2026

DC Water and its contractor have successfully excavated around the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor, a sanitary sewer line that collapsed on January 19 and overflowed into the Potomac River. For the second straight day, there have been no sewer overflows from the damaged pipe.

Photo of collapse site and federal, state, local officials in background
29 January, 2026

Federal, State, and Local Officials Get Firsthand Look at Collapse Site and Repair Efforts

Over the past 24-hours, DC Water engineers for the first time report no sanitary sewer overflows escaping from a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor since the incident happened. The 72-inch diameter pipe section collapsed on January 19, along Clara Barton Parkway and the C & O Canal National ...

Photo of collapse site of Potomac Interceptor and excavation underway
28 January, 2026

Excavation is underway to access a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor, a major sewer line that collapsed on January 19, along Clara Barton Parkway near the 495-interchange and C & O National Historical Park in Montgomery County, MD. This marks a pivotal step forward in the recovery process, allowing DC Water and its contractor to directly inspect the damaged pipe, exposing the affected ...

Graphic inviting people to join the meeting Jan 28 6pm - 7pm
27 January, 2026

This week’s heavy snow, icy conditions, and extreme cold have brought challenges to the DC region —exactly the kind of weather that can impact how DC Water’s Lead Free DC Program replaces lead service lines. That’s why we’re reminding you to join us tomorrow, January 28, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., for an important Lead Free DC (LFDC) virtual community meeting.

Photo of equipment and workers manning the PI bypass return
26 January, 2026

DC Water teams and contractors are working around the clock to operate a bypass system that diverts wastewater away from a damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor. Industrial pumps have been running since late Saturday, but heavy snow and extreme cold continue to create challenges for the equipment and operations.

Photo of the Potomac Interceptor Bypass where overflow reentering the sewer line
25 January, 2026

DC Water is nearing full containment on a sanitary sewer overflow, nearly a week after a section of the Potomac Interceptor – a major sewer line – collapsed in Montgomery County, MD. In the first full day of operation since a temporary bypass system was activated, the flow of wastewater downstream where it re-enters the sewer line has increased by about 40 million gallons per day.

A DC Water employee breaks up ice on a sidewalk
24 January, 2026

Measures in Place to Help Ensure Water Service and Customer Safety

Pipes from three of the pumps discharge flow into the C&O Canal
24 January, 2026

Six Pumps Turned On and Rerouting Wastewater Around Collapsed Section of the Sewer Line.

Three pumps installed as part of the bypass system
23 January, 2026

DC Water Expects to Start Turning on Bypass Pumps on Monday.

A gate is removed at Lock 11 on the C & O Canal
22 January, 2026

Additional work completed to remove upper lock gates on C & O Canal locks.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Picture of new bike pedestrian path and traffic detour
New Path for Capital Crescent Trail Opens at Georgetown Waterfront Park

DC CLEAN RIVERS – POTOMAC RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT
If you bike, drive, or walk through Georgetown, we’ve got changes starting this week around the Potomac River Tunnel construction on Water Street NW. The Capital Crescent Trail has a new temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park, open now for cyclists between 33rd and Potomac streets NW.

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting

Upcoming Events

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.